Nearly one-in-five West Virginians is living with diabetes, a rate far above the national average. Doctors at WVU Medicine say earlier screening and small lifestyle changes could help slow the trend.
Across the United States, about 11.3 percent of people have diabetes. In West Virginia, the rate is estimated to be closer to 18 percent, meaning roughly 260,000 residents have been diagnosed with the disease. Health experts also believe another 65,000 people may have diabetes without knowing it.
Jessica Perini, M.D., an endocrinologist with WVU Medicine, said many patients first develop prediabetes — a stage where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but have not yet reached the threshold for a diabetes diagnosis.
“Prediabetes is essentially a warning stage,” Dr. Perini said. “It tells us that someone’s blood sugar levels are moving in the wrong direction, but it also gives us an opportunity to step in and change that trajectory.”
Diabetes develops when the body has difficulty controlling the amount of sugar circulating in the bloodstream. Type 2 diabetes makes up most cases and is often linked to weight, activity levels and family history. Prediabetes usually does not cause noticeable symptoms and is most often discovered during routine blood tests. Once Type 2 diabetes develops, people may notice increased thirst, frequent urination, stronger appetite or unexplained weight loss.
“The sooner high blood sugars are addressed, the better chance we have of preventing damage over time,” Perini said. “Getting control early can make a meaningful difference in someone’s long-term health.”
Prevention does not require drastic changes. Many patients start with small adjustments to daily habits.
“It doesn’t have to start with an intense workout plan,” Perini said. “Even small changes, like moving more during the day or gradually improving diet choices, can build healthier habits over time.”
Treatment options for diabetes have expanded in recent years. Several newer medications help lower blood sugar and may also reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney problems.
WVU Medicine has expanded its endocrinology services to help meet the growing need for diabetes care. The team includes endocrinologists, nurse practitioners, diabetes educators, pharmacists and other specialists.
In the latest episode of the Live Healthy West Virginia podcast, Perini discussed diabetes prevention, symptoms and treatment options. The podcast is available on WVU Medicine’s YouTube channel and Spotify.