Look Who it Was Random video

Pre-Diabetes a Chance for Prevention

411 views · Published 29 August 2015 · 1:55 · Indexed 14 November 2026

Channel: Lee Health · 2015 · Science & Technology

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What a difference a word makes. For many years doctors used the term ‘borderline’ for people on the brink of diabetes. It didn’t create much urgency when Donald Fowler heard it 25 years ago.

“You’re either a diabetic or you’re not a diabetic,” says Fowler. 

At that point, he wasn’t. He also wasn’t aware of the gravity of his situation.

“No one in my family ever had diabetes and so I kept thinking, ‘Hmmm, I better watch it,’” says Fowler. 

Within a matter of years, Donald had full-blown type two diabetes.

“Frankly, what do you do if you’re told you’re borderline? Probably nothing,” says Sharon Tilbe, who is a certified diabetes educator with Lee Memorial Health System. 

So health professionals are rethinking their approach, swapping the ‘almost’ concept of borderline for a weightier word. 

“If a population is given the diagnosis of pre-diabetes, that will improve their chances of engaging in lifestyle change by 30%,” says Tilbe. 

Studies find when people get the full picture they are more likely to respond. Making a pre-diabetes diagnosis an opportunity for prevention. Through changes in lifestyle it is very possible to reverse course on disease.

“Weight loss of only 7% of your total body weight would be effective, certainly in preventing diabetes in many cases. And getting exercise most days would be recommended. 30 minutes, five days a week,” says Tilbe. 

Donald admits stronger directives may have made a difference.

“They probably should have said this is going to go on to diabetes and have problems,” says Fowler. 

“Having the diagnosis is a confrontation in a way. At least the person has an opportunity to make those changes,” says Tilbe. 

Using a powerful approach, the word pre-diabetes may empower people to change their health forecast. 

View More Health Matters video segments at leememorial.org/healthmatters/

Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.

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