Diabetes screening is now recommended for everyone 35 and older, even if no symptoms are present. The screening age was reduced because alerting individuals to their elevated blood sugar gives them the opportunity to reverse course. Also, a lower screening age is necessary to stem the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes. These efforts are expected to help a lot of individuals adjust their lifestyles. A lot of individuals are prediabetic and unaware of their condition. More than 80% of all prediabetic adults are unaware their blood sugar is elevated.
It’s long been appreciated that without changing one’s lifestyle, prediabetes progresses to diabetes. Some of the latest prevalence studies confirm that awareness campaigns are important. This is because diabetes occurs in one in eight adults and prediabetes occurs in three in eight adults. To avoid diabetic complications in the future now is more important than ever to understand blood sugar management. 
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. As diabetic healthcare costs increase, a call to action for preventive support is only getting louder. Health insurance claims reveal that compared to non-diabetics, diabetics have higher healthcare costs. Those with diabetes spend about 2.4 times more on medical bills and 4.5 times more in pharmacy costs each year. This evidence is based on an analysis of half a million employer insurance claims. Furthermore, higher absenteeism and presenteeism occur for diabetic individuals, understandably. With the cost of care rising by 20% year over year, employers are grappling with how to make prevention support more widely available to their employees.
Reducing the rise in diabetes diagnoses is urgent, especially given how common poor blood sugar is at younger ages. For instance, prediabetes affects more than 1 in 5 adolescents (12-18 years of age) and 1 in 4 young adults (19-34 years of age) in the US. These stats warn of future diabetes-based conditions. In a recent study, physicians explain that “patients need to control blood sugar early to prevent complications,” Yang says. “When there is enough damage, it might be too late to reverse course.”
New research adds to mounting evidence that healthy habits can prevent diabetes progression and cost far less than treatment for diabetes. More recently, Diabetes Prevention Programs outcomes also show impressive benefits. Prediabetic individuals successfully improved their blood sugar with the help of content on healthy habit formation. They also improved blood sugars by learning about healthier eating choices and more physical activity. In addition to reversing their blood sugar trends, participants reduced their body weight and improved their blood lipids. As a population-level intervention, this underscores the impact of making the right resources available in a timely manner for all individuals who want to adjust their lifestyle habits. 
The study’s findings have far-reaching implications for public health strategies aimed at addressing the global surge in type 2 diabetes and related complications. But in addition, access to lifestyle support may extend benefits beyond diabetes prevention, potentially impacting other non-communicable conditions. The reason is because poor blood sugar regulation accelerates the progression of many diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Employee wellbeing can also be indirectly boosted through lifestyle support, because improving diet and activity habits improves mood and reduces depression risk.
In summary, early detection and lifestyle interventions not only hold the key to preventing diabetes but also offer a pathway towards better overall health and well-being, making them vital components of public health and workplace wellness initiatives. Here at Treo, we are excited to offer the most customizable healthy lifestyle-building platform available. Through honoring personal preferences and interests, we support the process of behavior change, we are dedicated to empowering individuals to take charge of their health and prevent chronic conditions like diabetes. Join us in our mission to create a healthier, happier future for all.
As Treo’s Global Wellness Researcher, Karlie uses recent research findings to support healthier daily habits. Karlie earned her doctorate in Neuroscience and Behavior and bachelors in Health and Exercise Science.
© 2024 Treo Wellness.
