HealthQuest Connect - Meet an Expert |
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Prevention is the New Miracle CureOf the estimated 20.8 million people in the United States who have diabetes, some 6.2 million (or nearly one-third) go undiagnosed, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The ADA also states that the total economic impact of diabetes in 2007 was estimated at $174 billion. This includes medical costs, time off work, reduced productivity, disability and death. Getting to know diabetesDiabetes interferes with the body's ability to produce or effectively use insulin, a crucial hormone that controls how sugar is broken down and used for energy by human cells. Left untreated, the disease can cause a host of other medical problems that affect the heart, kidneys and nervous system. Diabetes comes in two forms, Type 1 and Type 2. In Type 1diabetes, usually diagnosed in children and young adults, the body does not produce any insulin. In Type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. In both cases, the cells are starved for energy. According to Dr. Alice Stollenwerk Petrulis, a board-certified internist and nephrologist, Type 2 is the more common and preventable of the two. "Type 1 diabetes is less common but more easily diagnosed because symptoms usually begin at a young age. While it's not preventable, it is treatable," says Dr. Petrulis. Type 2 diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in America. The disease often goes undiagnosed because the first symptoms may appear harmless. However, early detection decreases the risks of severe complications, as well as the related medical costs. Test, treat, trainEmployers can take proactive steps to protect their workforce from diabetes. By including simple blood-sugar tests at work-sponsored health fairs, employers give employees – especially those over 45 years of age – the chance to find out if they have diabetes and encourage them to seek medical treatment if they do. The "Small Steps. Big Rewards. Prevent type 2 Diabetes." campaign is a national prevention program that includes educational materials for the millions of Americans with pre-diabetes. Employers can also supply employees with diabetes education through a Diabetic Nurse Educator, a nutritionist or other health care providers. Those individuals help employees understand the risks and factors involved in the disease. They also guide employees in managing and treating the disease. "Most people with diabetes can control their glucose with a proper diet, weight loss and exercise," says Dr. Petrulis. "Prevention is the key to decreasing the incidence of type 2 diabetes." HealthQuest helps businesses implement sound solutions to keep employees healthy and reduce expenses. To learn more about customized and effective solutions, contact our business development professionals at 1.800.222.077, or visit www.healthquestservices.com. |
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