Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is an important source of energy for the cells that make up the muscles and tissues. It's also the brain's main source of fuel. The main cause of diabetes varies by type. But no matter what type of diabetes it is, can lead to excess sugar in the blood. Too much sugar in the blood can lead to serious health problems.

Chronic diabetes conditions include type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Potentially reversible diabetes conditions include prediabetes and gestational diabetes (during pregnancy). Prediabetes happens when blood sugar levels are higher than normal. But the blood sugar levels aren't high enough to be called diabetes. And prediabetes can lead to diabetes unless steps are taken to prevent it. But gestational diabetes may go away after the baby is born. 

37.3 million Americans have diabetes, makes up to 11.3% of the American population, 28.7 million including 28.5 million adults, are diagnosed and 8.5 million were undiagnosed. 15.9 million (29.2%) of American seniors (65 and above) have diabetes. 12.6% of South Asians in America have diabetes. 12.1% of African Americans in America have diabetes. 96 million people aged 18 years or older have prediabetes (38.0% of the adult US population). These are high percentages, which is why it is very important to get checked for diabetes at an early stage. 

Male

Age 18-39: You should start getting screened for diabetes at the age of 35 and then once every 3 years from that point. You might need to start getting screened for diabetes at an earlier age if you have other risk factors such as: a first degree relative with diabetes, you are obese, or you have high blood pressure, prediabetes, or a history of heart disease. Also, you should get screened for diabetes if you are planning to become pregnant. 

Age 40-64: You should get screened for diabetes once every 3 years. If you have risk factors such as: a first degree relative with diabetes, you are obese, or you have high blood pressure, prediabetes, or a history of heart disease, you should try to get screened as soon as you can. 

Age 65 and older: You should get screened for diabetes once every 3 years. If you have risk factors such as: a first degree relative with diabetes, you are obese, or you have high blood pressure, prediabetes, or a history of heart disease, you should try to get screened as soon as you can. 

Female

Age 18-39: You should get screened for diabetes starting at the age of 35 and then once every 3 years from that point. You might need to start getting screened for diabetes at an earlier age if you have other risk factors for diabetes such as: a first degree relative with diabetes, you are obese, or you have high blood pressure, prediabetes, or a history of heart disease. 

Age 40-64: You should get screened for diabetes once every 3 years. If you have risk factors such as: a first degree relative with diabetes, you are obese, or you have high blood pressure, prediabetes, or a history of heart disease, you should try to get screened as soon as you can. You should also try to get screened as soon as you can if you are planning to become pregnant. 

Age 65 and older: You should get screened for diabetes once every 3 years. If you have risk factors such as: a first degree relative with diabetes, you are obese, or you have high blood pressure, prediabetes, or a history of heart disease, you should try to get screened as soon as you can.