Men are Twice as Likely to Develop Type 2 Diabetes

Preventive Visits Can Help Prevent a Life-altering Diagnosis

June is Men's Health Month, the perfect time to encourage the men in our lives to get important healthcare needed to protect themselves from chronic conditions, like type 2 diabetes. While significant in both genders, type 2 diabetes, and pre-diabetes, is more often undiagnosed in men who delay--or skip--routine healthcare visits where providers could detect and treat the condition sooner.

Diabetes is the fastest-growing chronic disease nationwide. More than 88 million Americans -- that's one in three adults--are pre-diabetic and at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. And 84% of adults who have the disease are unaware they have it, putting them at danger for kidney damage, an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, blindness--and death. The Curry Health Network team urges men to schedule wellness visits to get important screenings and talk to primary care providers about type 2 diabetes. Early detection is important to manage -- or reverse --this life-altering diagnosis.

The quiet danger of undiagnosed and unmanaged diabetes, or pre-diabetes, is higher-than-normal blood sugar levels that aren't yet high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes. If you're pre-diabetic, damage to your kidneys and cardiovascular system may have already started, and type 2 diabetes will likely become a reality without medical care or lifestyle changes. And because pre-diabetes is often without symptoms, it's even more important to get screened to catch the disease early.

Family history, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. While genetics can't be changed, adopting a healthy lifestyle is an easy way to protect your health. Simple changes like incorporating a healthy diet, losing weight, getting adequate sleep, and engaging in 150 minutes of exercise weekly go far to prevent type 2 diabetes.

If you're at risk for type 2 diabetes, there are many things you can do to live a long, healthy life. Talk to your primary care provider; he or she can recommend lifestyle changes or employ strategies to prevent or manage the condition. Most importantly, keep routine wellness visits to get the screenings you need.

"Even if you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you won't be alone," said Jane Doroff, one of two registered dietitians at Curry Health Network. "We work with your provider--and you--to personalize plans to help you manage diabetes and improve your overall health," she continued. "Our teams have extensive experience with all aspects of diabetes care to help you manage or prevent type 2 diabetes. We also provide education on eating and lifestyle changes that may prevent type 2 diabetes from fully developing."

Men's Health Month is a perfect reminder to schedule wellness appointments at Curry Health Network. Your primary care provider is your first defense to help you avoid, manage, or reverse this dangerous diagnosis. Get the care you need to protect your health, and maintain a happy, healthy quality of life.