November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to focus on prevention, early detection, and support for the millions of Americans living with diabetes.
At Primary Health Care (PHC), our providers see new cases of diabetes every single week — often in people who had no symptoms at all.
“Very often, people have no symptoms for months or even years before they even find out,” said Dr. Clayton Smith, medical provider at PHC.
With a simple blood test, we can screen people for prediabetes, diabetes, and other hidden problems, and we can work together to make a big difference early on — the sooner the better, before symptoms and bigger problems show up.
Why Early Screening Matters
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. has prediabetes — and most don’t know it. Early detection can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes, medication, and routine follow-up care.
“I encourage everyone to come in to see if they should be tested,” Dr. Smith added. “It’s one of the simplest things you can do to protect your health.”
A diabetes screening is quick and easy — usually a blood sugar (A1C) test — and it can reveal important information about how your body processes sugar.
PHC Can Help
PHC’s care teams work together to help patients manage diabetes and reduce complications through:
- Regular screenings and primary care visits
- Medication management through our in-house pharmacy
- Nutrition and lifestyle counseling
- Support for related conditions like high blood pressure or cholesterol
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or already managing diabetes, you don’t have to do it alone. PHC’s providers, pharmacists, and health educators are here to help you take control of your health.
Schedule a visit today to check your numbers and take the first step toward prevention and better health.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Diabetes Basics
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): Prediabetes and Diabetes Tests