Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of Americans, often developing silently over time. Early detection through regular diabetes screenings can significantly improve outcomes and prevent serious complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage.
At JustDirect, we believe in the power of preventive care to keep you healthy and thriving. As part of our direct access primary care plan, we offer diabetes screenings and personalized care at six convenient locations in Downtown Miami, Hialeah, Kendall, Miami Lakes, North Miami Beach, and Westchester.
This post explores the importance of diabetes screenings, what they involve, and how our membership plan makes staying on top of your health easy and affordable.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t use it effectively, resulting in high blood sugar levels. If left untreated, these elevated blood sugar levels can cause damage to your blood vessels, organs, and nerves.
Types of Diabetes
- Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It typically develops in childhood or early adulthood.
- Type 2 Diabetes: A condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it. This is the most common type of diabetes and is often associated with lifestyle factors.
- Prediabetes: A condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Without intervention, it can progress to Type 2 diabetes.
Early detection of any of these conditions through screenings is essential to managing and preventing complications.
Why Are Diabetes Screenings Important?
1. Early Detection Saves Lives
Diabetes often develops without obvious symptoms. Many people remain undiagnosed until complications arise, such as vision problems, kidney damage, or cardiovascular issues. Screenings can detect diabetes or prediabetes early, giving you the opportunity to manage the condition effectively.
2. Prevent or Delay Diabetes Progression
Screenings can identify prediabetes, a critical window for intervention. Lifestyle changes such as improving diet, increasing physical activity, and losing weight can significantly reduce the risk of progressing to Type 2 diabetes.
3. Avoid Serious Complications
Left unmanaged, diabetes can lead to severe complications, including:
- Heart disease and stroke
- Kidney disease
- Nerve damage
- Vision problems, including blindness
Early detection allows for timely treatment and lifestyle adjustments that can prevent these outcomes.
What Happens During a Diabetes Screening?
Diabetes screenings are simple and painless, involving a blood test to measure your glucose levels. At JustDirect, our process is quick, convenient, and designed to fit into your schedule.
Common Tests for Diabetes Detection
| Test Name | What It Measures | Normal Range | Prediabetes Range | Diabetes Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) | Blood glucose levels after fasting for 8 hours. | Less than 100 mg/dL | 100–125 mg/dL | 126 mg/dL or higher |
| HbA1c Test | Average blood sugar levels over 2–3 months. | Less than 5.7% | 5.7%–6.4% | 6.5% or higher |
| Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) | Blood sugar levels 2 hours after drinking a glucose solution. | Less than 140 mg/dL | 140–199 mg/dL | 200 mg/dL or higher |
| Random Blood Sugar Test | Blood glucose levels at any time of the day. | Less than 140 mg/dL | — | 200 mg/dL or higher |
Your primary care doctor at JustDirect will help determine the best test for you based on your medical history, risk factors, and current health status.
Who Should Get Screened for Diabetes?
While everyone benefits from regular health check-ups, certain individuals are at higher risk for diabetes and should prioritize screenings.
Risk Factors for Diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- Family history of diabetes
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
- History of gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby over 9 pounds
- Age 45 or older
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
If you have one or more of these risk factors, talk to your primary care doctor at JustDirect about scheduling a screening.
How JustDirect Makes Diabetes Screenings Simple
Our direct primary care model eliminates the hassles of traditional healthcare, making preventive services like diabetes screenings accessible and affordable. Here’s how:
1. Affordable Membership Plan
For one low monthly fee, you get unlimited access to doctor visits, lab testing, and follow-up care. Diabetes screenings are included, so there are no surprise costs or insurance hurdles.
2. Convenient Locations Near You
With six primary care access locations across Miami, you can schedule a screening at a location that’s most convenient for you:
- Downtown Miami
- Hialeah
- Kendall
- Miami Lakes
- North Miami Beach
- Westchester
3. Same-Day Appointments and Telehealth
Need immediate attention? We offer same-day appointments and telehealth services to accommodate your busy schedule.
4. Comprehensive and Personalized Care
Screenings are just the beginning. If you’re diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes, our team provides ongoing care, including:
- Nutrition counseling and exercise planning
- Medication management
- Regular monitoring and follow-ups
Steps to Prevent Diabetes After Your Screening
If your screening results indicate you’re at risk for diabetes, there are several steps you can take to stay healthy:
- Adopt a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables.
- Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Even a modest weight loss can significantly lower your risk of diabetes.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water instead of sugary beverages.
- Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels: If you have prediabetes or diabetes, regularly checking your levels helps you stay in control.
At JustDirect, our doctors and care teams support you every step of the way.
Take Charge of Your Health with JustDirect
Diabetes screenings are a vital part of preventive care, and JustDirect makes it simple, convenient, and affordable. With six locations across Miami, expert doctors, and a focus on personalized care, we help you detect issues early and take control of your health.
Ready to prioritize your well-being? Sign up for our direct access primary care plan today and schedule your diabetes screening at one of our Miami locations: Downtown Miami, Hialeah, Kendall, Miami Lakes, North Miami Beach, or Westchester.
Your health starts here—don’t wait to take the first step.
