When Weight Loss Is a Bad Thing

When Weight Loss is a Bad Thing
When Weight Loss is a Bad Thing

When was the last time you complained about losing a few pounds? Never, right? In our weight-obsessed culture, even slim people are usually ecstatic to find themselves a little slimmer. Yet losing weight without trying is a common symptom of dozens of medical conditions -- though only one-third of people think to tell their physicians about it. And losing weight when you have a healthy appetite heralds one of the biggies: diabetes.

If this sounds like an eerily familiar situation, we've got a question for you: When was the last time you had your blood glucose checked? You could have high blood sugar and not even know it. In fact, one-third of those who already have diabetes aren't aware of it. And that means they (you?) are missing out on the chance to control it and reduce the risk of complications.

Who Needs a Blood Sugar Check

Like blood pressure, blood sugar levels tend to creep up as you age, so doctors generally recommend testing every 3 years, starting at age 45, and possibly more often if you have any of these risk factors:

  • A sedentary lifestyle. Sitting all day -- in a car, on the couch, at a desk -- increases your risk for diabetes, unless you're a regular exerciser at night.

  • A family history of diabetes. If you have a sibling or parent with diabetes, you're more likely to get it, too.

  • Certain ethnic backgrounds. African Americans, Alaska Natives, American Indians, Hispanics/Latinos, Pacific Islanders, and Asian Americans are more vulnerable to diabetes than other ethnic groups.

  • Any of these health problems. You're at extra risk of diabetes if your blood pressure is 140/90 or higher; your LDL cholesterol is high; you have cardiovascular disease; you already have high blood sugar; and -- if you're a woman -- you've had gestational diabetes or polycystic ovary disease.

  • Any of these symptoms. If you notice a dramatic increase in urination, hunger, thirst, fatigue -- or sudden unexplained weight loss or vision changes -- call your doctor immediately and schedule a blood sugar test.

What Your Blood Sugar Numbers Mean

Here's what the numbers indicate with a fasting plasma glucose test, a common type of blood sugar check:

  • Normal: Blood sugar below 100 mg/dL

  • Prediabetes: Blood sugar between 100 and 125

  • Diabetes: Blood sugar of 126 or higher

If you test positive for prediabetes, take heart. You don't have it yet, though you're at real risk. This is your chance to get your blood sugar under control and avoid type 2 diabetes altogether. Go for it!

If your test indicates type 2 diabetes, take heart, too. Diet, exericise and medications can help you manage the condition and avoid complications. Time to get serious! You can get the best of it.

Take the RealAge Diabetes Health Assessment to find out how to control -- or reduce your risk of -- diabetes.

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