Health officials suggest screening for 'pre-diabetes'

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- About 16 million Americans are likely to develop diabetes -- most of them middle-age, overweight and sedentary -- because they already have a serious condition known as pre-diabetes, a top federal official said Wednesday.

This is in addition to the 17 million now living with the disease, which poses the threat of kidney failure, amputation, blindness or death.

"In the last three decades alone, the number of people with diabetes has tripled," Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson told a news conference.

Research sponsored by HHS shows that most of those with pre-diabetes will go on to develop diabetes itself in 10 years unless they make changes in diet and lifestyle.

"A more nutritious diet and moderate exercise reduce the risk of developing adult diabetes by 58 percent," Thompson said.

A panel convened by the American Diabetes Association and HHS concludes that doctors should start screening their patients for pre-diabetes at age 45. In diabetes, the body doesn't produce sufficient insulin, so sugar isn't properly absorbed, and it eventually builds up to toxic levels.

EXTRA INFORMATION Read the results of a recent landmark diabetes study.

The problem is easily diagnosed by tests routinely given during a visit to the doctor's office. Thompson said the progression of pre-diabetes can be stunted by a 5 to 7 percent weight loss and walking 5 days a week for 30 minutes a day.

"For the first time we are recommending that doctors should be screening their overweight patients age 45 and older for pre-diabetes during routine office visits. Doctors should also consider screening overweight patients who are younger than 45 if they have other risk factors for diabetes, such as family history of diabetes," said Dr. Judith Fradkin of the National Institutes of Health.

To set a good example, the portly Thompson said he has committed himself to losing 15 pounds, and he wants others at HHS who need to slim to get on the bandwagon.

"This whole department is really going on a prevention kick," he said.

Thompson promised to get the word out about the hazards of pre-diabetes, using sports and show business personalities. Thompson will also ask insurance companies to encourage fitness programs.

Currently, however, the government's Medicare program doesn't pay for pre-diabetes screening.