Dear NP

Dear NP,

How often should I be screened for type II diabetes? What is prediabetes? Is there anything I can do to reverse prediabetes and prevent diabetes? F. F.

Dear F. F.,

November is diabetes awareness month. Diabetes is a huge health issue in the United States, affecting 34.2 million adults, just over 1 in 10. You are right to be concerned, and it’s great that you’ve reached out to get some advice. As in any chronic, dangerous illness, it’s easier to treat diabetes if you catch it early and make the necessary lifestyle adjustments now rather than after becoming ill.

How often an adult shoul...