There are an estimated 86 million who have prediabetes. Those with prediabetes have blood glucose (sugar) higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. The primary risk factors for Type 2 diabetes are being overweight, sedentary, and having a family history of diabetes. African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are at an increased risk for developing the disease. Early intervention via lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and increased physical activity, can help delay or prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes. With the right steps, prediabetes can be reversed.
Californians are increasingly feeling the effects of diabetes as thousands of people suffer from the disease, and many others may have diabetes and not know it! It is estimated that one out of every three children born after 2000 in the United States will be directly affected by diabetes.
That is why the American Diabetes Association's Los Angeles office is so committed to educating the public about how to stop diabetes and support those living with the disease. Over 3,500 Advocates engage with the Association locally every year and advocate on behalf of those living with diabetes and pre diabetes.
They are here to help.
Their mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
In partnership with the Ad Council, the American Diabetes Association strives to educate listeners about diabetes and to drive them to take the “Risk Test” at www.DoIHavePrediabetes.org
Kari Steele sat down with Dr. Muñoz, an Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the USC Keck School of Medicine. She works as a pediatric psychologist at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, who specializes in working with children and youth who are living with diabetes. She is also the President of the American Diabetes Association Community Leadership Board for Los Angeles.