Nearly half of Monterey County adults will develop diabetes

Nearly half of the adults living in Monterey County are at risk for developing diabetes, according to new research out of UCLA.

Medical experts say it’s something they’ve been warning about for years.

According to the state-wide study,45 percent of all adults in Monterey County are pre-diabetic, higher than the national average.From there, 70 percent of those adults will develop diabetes, putting them at risk for eye disease, kidney failure and even amputation.

“The interesting thing about this new study is that it’s showing a prevalance in the younger age — 18 to 35,” Dr. Nicola Kissell, Medical Director of the Salinas Valley Medical Clinic, said. “But it also shows different ethnic groups are disproportionally affected. About one-third of latinos in the area, pacific islanders about 55 percent, also the African American community.”

At the Salinas Valley Medical Clinic’s Diabetes and Endocrine Center, doctors say the goal is prevention.That means going to the doctor, exercising and eating right.

KION talked with a patient who was diagnosed a year ago.

“Listen to your doctors early on,” Troy Fink advised. “There were certain indicators. My blood pressure started to go up. My cholesterol started to go up. In looking back, I wish I would have listened to my doctors when they said it’s just going to get worse if you keep going.”

Coming up in April, the clinic will be offering a free, public workshop in English and Spanish on what causes diabetes, the different types, and how to prevent/treat it.

What: “Living with Your Diabetes: The Basics”

When: Wednesday, April 20

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Where: 611 Abbott Street, 2nd Floor, Salinas, CA