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One of three American adults has the condition that signals Type 2 diabetes may be just around the corner. Nine out of 10 haven't been diagnosed. As the body loses its ability to convert glucose into energy, blood-sugar levels begin to rise. When blood sugar is high, but not high enough to indicate diabetes, the condition is known as prediabetes. Anyone who develops Type 2 diabetes will first have prediabetes. According to estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 84 million Americans have prediabetes. "The No. 1 risk factor for prediabetes is a group of conditions called metabolic syndrome," says diabetologist Martin Ruiz, M.D., with CHRISTUS St. Vincent St. Michael's Family Medicine. "Progressive weight gain over months or years, as well as increases in blood pressure and cholesterol, are hallmarks of metabolic syndrome and make people vulnerable to prediabetes." The easiest and most accurate way to diagnose prediabetes is the nonfasting A1C test, which can show your primary care physician the average amount of glucose that's been in your blood during the past three months. A reading of 5.7 to 6.4 percent indicates prediabetes; at 6.5 percent or higher, diabetes is the diagnosis. Dr. Ruiz recommends a yearly A1C test for all adults age 35 and older. "Latinos and Native Americans are especially susceptible to prediabetes because of their genes," Dr. Ruiz says. "That's in addition to the factors that affect many Americans — lack of exercise and diets that include too many fried foods, refined carbohydrates and added sugars. "The good news is if patients change their lifestyle, they can lower their blood sugar before it reaches diabetes level." One of the best ways to stave off or reverse prediabetes is to lose weight through a combination of exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet. As the pounds come off, blood pressure and cholesterol levels should decrease — two important contributors to diabetes prevention. Without lifestyle changes, studies show that most people diagnosed with prediabetes can develop Type 2 diabetes within 10 years. ✚ Concerned about prediabetes? Visit stvin.org to book an appointment with a primary care provider near you. Epidemic CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Diabetes Center (505) 913-4307 Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 465 St. Michael's Drive Ste. 101 Santa Fe CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Diabetes Center is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with diabetes and its complications. In addition to individualized nutrition counseling, the center offers consultation, resources and a monthly support group covering a range of diabetes-related concerns. If you or a loved one is living with diabetes, call or visit the CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Diabetes Center to find the assistance you need today. Your Diabetes Care Destination PREDIABETES THE STREET SIGN 3 Fall 2017 | st vin.org HEALTH AWARE 3