Diabetes

The American Medical Association and CDC have partnered to launch a multiyear initiative that leverages online tools to reach individuals with pre-diabetes and to help prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes, Health Data Management reports (Slabodkin, Health Data Management, 3/16).

Background on Pre-Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes

According to CDC, 86 million U.S. residents have pre-diabetes, 90% of whom are unaware of it (Reinberg, HealthDay/Philadelphia Inquirer, 3/13).

Ann Albright, director of CDC's Division of Diabetes Translation, said, "Research shows that 15% to 30% of overweight people with pre-diabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes within five years unless they take steps to prevent or delay its onset by making important lifestyle changes."

AMA President Robert Wah said, "More than $245 billion each year in health care spending and reduced productivity is directly linked to diabetes" (Health Data Management, 3/16).

Details of Initiative

The new initiative, called Prevent Diabetes STAT (Screen, Test, Act Today), will focus on "delay[ing] or prevent[ing] the development of Type 2 diabetes," according to Albright (HealthDay/Philadelphia Inquirer, 3/13).

As part of the initiative, AMA and CDC co-developed an online toolkit aimed at helping health care providers to screen patients and refer those at a high risk of developing diabetes to prevention programs.

The groups also created an online screening tool to help patients assess their risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.

Albright said, "Research shows that screening, testing and referring people who are at risk for Type 2 diabetes is critical," adding, "Research also shows that when people know they have pre-diabetes they are more likely to take action" (Health Data Management, 3/16).