As a health care provider, keeping your patients healthy is the goal. As you may know, 8 out of 10 adults in Missouri with prediabetes don’t even know they have it. Help your patients determine their risk and take action today.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Step 1: Screen

The first step is screening patients. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 3 adults have prediabetes. You can screen your patients by using your electronic health record to identify patients that fall within the prediabetes criteria range, by giving them the prediabetes risk assessment survey during an office visit, or by having them take the risk assessment survey online.

Step 2: Test

If a patient is at risk, you can test them using one of three blood tests:

1. Fasting plasma glucose test – Prediabetes range 100-125
2. Oral glucose tolerance test – Prediabetes range 140-199
3. Hemoglobin A1C test – Prediabetes range 5.7% – 6.4%

Step 3: Refer

If your patients are identified as having prediabetes, encourage them to take action now and refer them to a National Diabetes Prevention Program.

EVIDENCE-BASED DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAMS IN MISSOURI

There are multiple organizations across Missouri changing lives through delivery of the National DPP. Programs are available in-person, online, and via distance learning. Program fees vary, however, many organizations provide the program at no cost, or provide scholarships or stipends to participate. The National DPP is also a covered benefit provided by several employers and insurance plans, including Medicare and Missouri Medicaid.