Nov 12, 2021
Your Health: Diabetes Awareness Month
The month comes as the recommended screening age for the disease is lowered.
TOLEDO, Ohio — In case you didn’t know, November is Diabetes Awareness Month and according to the CDC, over 34 million Americans have some form of diabetes. As we are in the midst of Diabetes Awareness Month, the age at which you should be screened has been lowered. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says those who are obese or overweight, at the age of 35, should be screened for for the disease as a preventative measure.
“Sometimes if you catch it early it’s very important because you can prevent these complications from getting worse or getting to a point where they’re irreversible. So, if it’s too late, we can do the best we can to improve blood sugar but sometimes some of the damage, for example to nerves, can be irreversible. Diagnosing earlier will help us prevent that from happening,” said Dr. Mary Kellis of the Cleveland Clinic.
Dr. Kellis says if not treated, diabetes can lead to blindness, damaged nerves, or even impact kidney function.
To learn more about diabetes and for ways to either treat or prevent it, visit diabetes.org.
