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Adults should be movin’, too
The primary focus of Movin’ and Munchin’ Schools is combating childhood obesity, but when Suzy and I travel to schools we also remind school employees that the program is for them, too. In some ways, it’s even more important for adults.
Even though the WEA Trust asked us to join the program to inspire students to lead healthier lives, we’ve been very gratified to learn that we’ve motivated adults, as well. That’s why school staff are strongly encouraged to participate in Movin’ and Munchin’ Schools.
Through our work with the Trust on Movin’ and Munchin’, we’ve come to learn what a growing problem Type 2 diabetes is becoming in our country. In fact, the U.S. rate of new cases of Type 2 diabetes has doubled over the past decade from 4.5 cases per 1,000 people in 1995-1997, to 9.1 cases per 1,000 people by 2007, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The American Diabetes Association says there are 57 million Americans who have pre-diabetes, in addition to the 23.6 million with diabetes. The suspected cause of the increase—rising obesity rates.
An awareness issue
Last year, the CDC released a study that indicated too many American adults are unaware of “pre-diabetes” and do not take action to reduce their risk. Part of the problem is many of us don’t realize that even if we have risks through poor health habits, there is still time to correct those habits and reverse many of the possible effects.
People with pre-diabetes—a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes—are at increased risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. But lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise can prevent or delay development of diabetes and its complications.
Different types of diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is different than Type 1 diabetes. Both types cause high levels of sugar in the blood, but Type 1 diabetes is unpreventable and is usually diagnosed before the age of 30.
Type 2 diabetes is commonly diagnosed after the age of 40, although it now often occurs at a younger age due in part to childhood obesity. When left undetected and untreated, diabetes can cause blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, strokes, nerve damage, and amputation.
“An opportunity exists to reduce the incidence of diabetes and its complications by increasing awareness of pre-diabetes among those who have the condition, and encouraging healthier lifestyles,” says Wendy Countryman, R.N., Care Manager at the WEA Trust who works with members who have diabetes and pre-diabetes. Countryman encourages individuals who are at risk to check with their health care provider and health insurer to see what options are available to them.
Don’t wait for a diagnosis
Like high blood pressure, people with Type 2 diabetes don’t often feel the affects of the disease for years. Because of that, many people have already had the disease for 7 to 10 years when diagnosed with it. That’s why it’s so important for people to know their risk factors and act upon them. People at increased risk for diabetes should control their weight, increase their physical activity levels, and be tested annually.
“Early diagnosis is essential to successfully treat—and prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and its potential complications,” Countryman says. “Everyone should be aware of the risk factors for Type 2 diabetes such as being overweight or inactive.”
Do you know your risk?
The American Diabetes Association has a great online tool called the Diabetes Risk Test, which helps people find out if they are at risk for developing diabetes. Click here to find out more about your risk.
