Ask the Physician
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | October 2022
I ’ m pretty overweight . I have my annual physical coming up and my doctor asked me to fast for my blood work to check for diabetes . I ’ m only 40 . Isn ’ t that young for diabetes ? Is my doctor just looking to do an unnecessary test ? Michael , Jackson Township
Michael , that ’ s a good question . Please note that diabetes isn ’ t necessarily an “ old person ’ s ” disease . It can strike at any time .
Your primary care physician is giving you a thorough and complete check-up , and making sure you don ’ t have pre-diabetes or diabetes is part of that , especially since , at your age , it is recommended for overweight people to get a routine diabetes screenings . If it is detected , the sooner you get treatment for the condition , the better off you will be !
Hopefully your test results will be negative , but even if so , it might be a good time to think about dieting and exercise , to help prevent diabetes in the future !
Navinder Jassil , MD Director Endocrinology & Diabetes Services Deborah Heart and Lung Center