May 19, 2013
Experts have lowered the "red flag number" from 110 to 100, meaning more people will be deemed pre-diabetic.
One year ago, Robert Speidel went to the doctor for a routine checkup. With no family history, numbers indicating diabetes surprised him.
Robert Speidel says, “They were borderline, not diabetic, but a warning sign that if you carry on with your lifestyle you probably will become diabetic.”
Speidel changed his lifestyle, taking brisk daily walks and eliminating second helpings at the dinner table.
Endocrinologist Terry Sherraden says Speidel's case is a perfect example of why the pre-diabetes number has been lowered from a blood glucose level of 110 to 100.
Dr. Terry Sherraden, Endocrinologist, says, “Recent studies show diet and exercise make a big change and lower the risk of pre-diabetes.”
Fifteen pounds lighter, Speidel says he's thankful he was given a chance.
“It was very enlightning. A few years ago I thought I was bullet proof. You find out as time goes on, you better start paying attention.”
The new guideline recommends people who are overweight and age 45 or older be tested for diabetes or pre-diabetes.
