Screen Your Blood Sugar, Eat Better

Got a blood sugar problem? If you do, there's a good chance you don't know it; about one-third of people with type 2 diabetes are unaware of it.

So get your blood sugar tested. Why? For one thing, it's the first step to getting treated. It's also key to eating right. People who've been diagnosed pack more protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals into their diets than people who don't know they have diabetes.

Should You Be Screened?
Type 2 diabetes has few symptoms until the advanced stages, so without testing, it's unlikely you'd discover it. If you are 45 or older, the American Diabetes Association recommends screening for type 2 diabetes every 3 years. Screening at a younger age may be considered if you have risk factors for the condition. Here's a list of diabetes risk factors.

Checkup Checklist
What other health screenings are you due for? Fill out this quick questionnaire and you'll get a detailed report based on your age and health history.

Did You Know?
It's possible to reverse prediabetes by doing more of this.

Nutrient intakes; biochemical and risk indices associated with Type 2 diabetes and glycosylated haemoglobin, in the British National Diet and Nutrition Survey of people aged 65 years and over. Bates, C. J., Lean, M. E., Mansoor, M. A., Prentice, A., Diabetic Medicine 2004 Jul;21(7):677-684.