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(WASHINGTON, D.C.)—Approximately 57 million Americans are on the brink of developing diabetes. Yet research tells us that there is much we can do to keep it from progressing to full-blown diabetes. Lab tests can help us get a grip on the disease.

"A quick and easy lab test called hemoglobin A1C can tell if you actually have diabetes or are close to developing it—a dangerous condition called pre-diabetes," says the American Clinical Laboratory Association's Alan Mertz.

The A1C test:

• does not require fasting
• measures your average blood glucose for the preceding 2-3 months
• is not affected by recent dietary changes

"The fact that you don't have to fast before getting the test makes it much more convenient and consumer friendly," says Mertz. We believe that will help consumers' willingness to get tested, and help us battle a deadly and dangerous disease."

Pre-diabetes: A Fast-Track to Diabetes

Further aiding the fight against diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recently added the A1C laboratory test to its list of tests recommended for identifying diabetes. Some 40% of people with pre-diabetes will become fully diabetic in 3- 8 years, if they don't take action.

Yet this is not just a future-threat. They are already in danger. Individuals with pre-diabetes face:

• a 50 percent greater chance of heart disease or stroke
• increased complications associated with kidney disease, eye conditions, and neurological problems

The Good News: Changes in Lifestyle Can Reduce Risk by 58 percent

"There is good news, though," Mertz says. The results of a clinical trial, called the Diabetes Protection Project, found that in adults with pre-diabetes, changes in lifestyle and diet alone reduced the risk of diabetes onset by 58 percent.

"This is pretty astounding. Clearly, the early warning that the A1C test provides can be significant," says Mertz.

"Once you know you have pre-diabetes, making small improvements in diet and exercise can have a dramatic impact."

• For a Q&A fact sheet on pre-diabetes and the A1C test, click here.

• For more information on pre-diabetes and the A1C test from the American Diabetes Association, go to the American Diabetes Association December 29, 2009 clinical recommendation at http://www.diabetes.org/for-media/2009/cpr-2010-a1c-diagnostic-tool.html

• For more information about diabetes and testing, visit the following Web sites:
  • The American Diabetes Association: http://www.diabetes.org/
  • The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: http://www2.niddk.nih.gov
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http:/www.cdc.gov/diabetes/