American adults with undiagnosed prediabetes outnumber the combined total populations of people with diagnosed prediabetes and diabetes Type 2, according to the CDC. One in three adults in the U.S. or more than 84 million people have the disease, but only 10% are aware they have it.
Chicago-based Higi announced a collaboration with the American Diabetes Association to offer free self-service Type 2 diabetes risk assessments at Higi Health Stations throughout the U.S. There are more than 10,000 Higi Health Stations at retail locations such as pharmacies, club stores, and grocery stores nationwide. Higi stations currently measure blood pressure, pulse, and weight and calculate BMI. Under the new program, Higi’s algorithms will analyze user-reported health survey responses with the ADA’s Type 2 diabetes risk calculator. The assessment will report the risk score to the consumer with advice that people with high-risk scores should check with a physician.
Careful not to overstep its bounds, Higi is careful to note that “this risk assessment is non-diagnostic and only a clinician with supporting lab work can diagnose prediabetes or diabetes.”
Many factors contribute to the terrifying increases in prediabetes, diabetes, and other metabolic syndromes in the U.S. and other developed countries. No single solution or tool will halt the spread of the diabetes epidemic, but the Higi Health Station prediabetes risk assessment platform is a laudable addition to existing programs to help individuals become aware of their personal risks.
