Prevention, Detection, and Management of Diabetes in South Dakota

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing in prevalence nationwide and in South Dakota, with an especially high prevalence in its American Indian population. Screening is not recommended for type 1 DM, but is for type 2 DM and pre-diabetes in certain populations. Fasting glucose, two-hour glucose tolerance test, or hemoglobin A1c are appropriate screening options. Treatment can include diabetic self-management education programs and medications. In addition to glycemic control, other cardiovascular risk factors must be reduced in these patients and specific testing and consultations should be performed to detect complications such as nephropathy or retinopathy. Along with routine age-appropriate immunizations, most diabetic patients should receive the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV-23), influenza, and the hepatitis B series. Progression from pre-diabetes to type 2 DM can be prevented or delayed in some patients through lifestyle interventions and/or metformin. The South Dakota Diabetes Coalition (www.sddiabetescoalition.org) is an excellent resource for clinicians and patients.