THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MAy 22, 2026 Page 19 Sa nir Sa a y Senior Seni by Jim Miller The Silent Warning: Dear Savvy Senior, My 60-year-old brother was recently diagnosed with prediabetes, which surprised all of us because he’s fairly active and isn’t overweight. Now I’m wondering if I could be at risk too. Does prediabetes run in families, and what exactly does it mean? --Younger Sister Dear Younger, Yes, you could be at risk. Having a close family member with diabetes increases your chances of developing it yourself, though family history is just one factor. Age, weight, lifestyle, blood pressure, cholesterol, and certain ethnic backgrounds also aff ect risk. Here’s a clearer look at prediabetes and what you should know. What Is Prediabetes? Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. It is far more common than most people realize. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 115 million American adults have prediabetes, and the majority don’t know it. Without intervention, many will develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years. Even before diabetes develops, elevated blood sugar can quietly damage blood vessels and raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision problems. Once diabetes develops, daily blood sugar monitoring, medications or insulin, and lifestyle adjustments may become necessary, which can affect overall quality of life. The good news is that prediabetes does not make diabetes inevitable. In many cases, it can be reversed. Modest weight loss, regular physical activity, and healthier eating habits can signifi cantly reduce – or sometimes eliminate – the risk of progression. In some situations, medications may also be prescribed to help control blood sugar. Who Should Get Tested? Prediabetes usually causes no noticeable symptoms, so testing is the only reliable way to know if you have it. Adults age 45 and older should be screened, particularly if overweight. Younger adults should also consider testing if they are overweight and have other risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a sedentary lifestyle, or a family history of diabetes. Certain ethnic groups – including Latino, Black, Asian, and Native American adults – have higher risk and may benefi t from earlier screening. To quickly assess your risk, take the free online screening test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org. How It’s Diagnosed If you are at risk, your doctor can order one of three blood tests. The fasting plasma glucose test requires an eight-hour fast. The oral glucose tolerance test measures how your body processes sugar. The hemoglobin A1C test reflects your average blood sugar over two to three months and can be done at any time, regardless of when you last ate. Most Medicare and private insurance plans generally cover diabetes screening tests at little or no cost if you meet risk criteria such as being overweight, having high blood pressure, or having a family history of diabetes. Home glucose meters are not intended to diagnose prediabetes. Take Action If you are diagnosed with prediabetes, don’t panic. Many people restore healthy blood sugar with lifestyle changes alone. Losing 5 to 7 percent of your body weight, getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, and reducing refi ned carbohydrates can make a meaningful diff erence. For additional support, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sponsors the National Diabetes Prevention Program, which offers structured lifestyle-change classes in person and online across the U.S. (cdc. gov/diabetes-prevention). Local hospitals, clinics, and community centers may also off er similar programs. The most important step is awareness. A simple screening test can provide peace of mind or give you the opportunity to take action now and prevent diabetes in the future. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070. Offered at $699,000 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate Formerly Carpenito Real Estate nior ior Portal To Hope Candlelight Vigil May 27 at Zion Church Ministries Understanding Prediabetes M ay is “Violence Prevention Month”. The public is cordially invited to join Portal To Hope on May 27, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., for a candlelight vigil in support of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault crimes. The vigil will be held at Zion Church Ministries, 757 Broadway, Everett, Massachusetts. Following the vigil, participants are invited to share in ED MARKEY | FROM PAGE 2 nity. I’m proud to support his re-election because Everett needs a Senator who shows up, listens, and fi ghts for every community across Massachusetts.” “Senator Ed Markey gets that climate justice means justice for all. In a city like Everett, that means cleaner air, healthier neighborhoods, and federal investment in the communities that have been burdened by pollution for far too long,” said City Councilor Katy Rogers. “From championing the Green New Deal to pushing for a cleaner, safer future, Senator Markey has been a consistent leader we can count on. I’m proud to support his re-election to the United States Senate.” a community discussion with Mayor Robert Van Campen, Police Chief Paul Strong, Detective Kelsey DeFilippo, Bishop Robert G. Brown and survivor, Christine Marino Levesque. Special thanks to the Orange Rose Foundation and Loren Marino Foundation. If you would like to register for this event, please email nita@portaltohope.org; or, call (781) 338-7678. Senator Markey thanked the Everett leaders for their support: “Everett is a city of working families, immigrant families, students, seniors, and small businesses that deserve a fi ghter who will never leave them behind,” said Senator Ed Markey. “That is what this campaign is about, and that is what my work in the Senate has always been about – protecting people, lowering costs, defending our communities, and making sure cities like Everett get the federal support they have earned. I am proud to stand with Mayor Van Campen, Senator DiDomenico, Representative McGonagle, and Council President Smith, and I will keep fi ghting every day for the working families who make Everett strong.” Home of the Week LYNN - Welcome to this well-maintained Cape-style home located in Veteran's Village were pride of ownership shines throughout. This charming 3-bedroom home offers a warm and inviting layout, featuring a formal fireplace Livingroom and a dedicated dining room perfect for entertaining. The eat in kitchen flows seamlessly into a spacious family room addition, at the rear of the home, highlighted by large windows and 2 skylights that fill the space with natural light. The first floor also includes a full bathroom and the convenience of first floor laundry. Upstairs you will find 2 generously sized bedrooms, each offering double closets and built in drawers and an additional full bathroom. The basement provides excellent potential and includes a second laundry hookup. Major updates are a new heating system, hot water tank, oil tank and updated electrical. Enjoy outdoor living with a generous size back yard featuring a deck off the back of the house plus and additional covered side deck. (781) 233-7300 335 Central St. Saugus commonmoves.com ©2024 BHH Affiliates, LLC, An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity. OBITUARY Carol Ann Harkins Hotz C arol Ann Harkins Hotz passed away April 24, 2026, in North Carolina after a period of declining health. Carol is survived by her husband. Jack, three daughters, two brothers and nine grandchildren. A graveside service will be OBITUARY | SEE PAGE 21
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