The Center for Disease Control reported 1.5 million Americans were diagnosed with diabetes for the first time in 2015 (the most recent numbers).  As the number of Americans with diabetes or prediabetes grows, it becomes more important that individuals with this disease become aware of their condition and take the appropriate steps to stay healthy and manage their blood glucose levels.

In 2015, 30.3 million Americans, or 9.4% of the population, had diabetes of which 7.2 million were undiagnosed.  In addition 84.1 million Americans age 18 and older had prediabetes based on their fasting glucose or A1C level.  Nearly half (48.3%) of adults aged 65 years or older had prediabetes.

Early Detection Decreases Long Term Risks

Diabetes increases your risk for many serious health problems.  Early detection and treatment can decrease the risk of developing the complications of diabetes.

With the correct treatment and recommended lifestyle changes, many people with diabetes are able to prevent or delay the onset of complications which can affect your skin, eyes and feet.  Diabetes can also cause high blood pressure, kidney disease and stroke.  Diabetes remains the 7th leading cause of death in the United States.

Benefits of A1C Testing

Getting out in front and managing your elevated blood glucose levels minimizes the occurrence of complications and allows most individuals to lead normal lives.  Testing provides an average A1C value based on a person’s glucose levels for the previous two months.  An A1C value of 5.7% to 6.4% is considered pre-diabetic, with 6.5% or greater indicating a person has diabetes.

Who should be tested?

There are a number of symptoms that may indicate you are pre-diabetic or diabetic. These are …

• Urinating often
• Feeling very thirsty
• Feeling very hungry – even though you are eating
• Extreme fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
• Weight loss – even though you are eating more (type 1)
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is recommended you see a doctor immediately.

Blackbird Clinical Services Offers A1C Testing

For a limited time Blackbird Clinical Services is offering FREE instant/finger stick A1C testing.  Contact Blackbird at 765-447-8700 and request a free A1C test and we’ll schedule an appointment for you.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call.