A panel of medical experts in the US has suggested that we start screening patients for type 2 diabetes at the age of 35, instead of 40 which are the current guidelines.
With diabetes rates increasing globally, especially here in Australia where around 100,000 people are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes each year, the independent panel of experts says there is no downside to screening overweight patients earlier in life.
Not only is the number of type 2 diabetes cases increasing globally, but there has been a significant increase in patients who are young adults and even adolescents. So, it makes sense that if diabetes is occurring in younger demographics, the screening process should reflect this.
When I was at medical school, type 2 diabetes was called mature onset diabetes. Experts had to change the name because people were getting it younger and younger. So I’m not surprised by this recommendation. It’s a great thing”. – Dr Peter Brukner
“I’m not surprised by this recommendation. It’s a great thing,” adds Dr Brukner.
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We wonder whether the Australian Government will take note of our friends in the US and adopt a similar approach to type 2 diabetes screening. Earlier screening in Australia could prevent pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes from going undiagnosed and reduce the risk of patients developing related complications such as heart disease, amputation and blindness.
“The thing to remember is type 2 diabetes does not develop overnight. It can take 10 to 20 years to develop, so the sooner the condition is recognised, the better,” says Dr. Brukner.
We reckon this recommendation for earlier screening by leading experts should act as a wake up call to the impact our sugary, carb-laden diet has had on our health.
A low carbohydrate diet that is high in healthy fats and protein has been proven to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, whilst also helping to put existing type 2 diabetes into remission.
Defeat Diabetes is on a mission to help Australians take control of their health with a scientifically proven program, and look, our results speak for themselves!
