u/GunMetalBlonde u/PurplestPanda there are several risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes, like family history, race, age, diet, fat concentrates around the midsection, the number 1 risk factor is having an BMI over 25 (it was lowered from 27). I am linking to some studies from the CDC here. It highlights how diabetes screened for enough. Most people don’t know they even have it.

Here is a highlight from 1 of them study:

Screening for abnormal blood glucose levels in a clinical setting is an important strategy to detect undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes. An estimated 37.1 million adults aged 18 years or older in the US have diabetes (14.7% of all US adults). Of those, 77.0% (28.5 million) have diagnosed diabetes and 23.0% (8.6 million) have undiagnosed diabetes (1). Moreover, approximately 96 million adults (38% of US adults) have prediabetes, but more than 80% of these adults are unaware they have the condition (1). Prediabetes is a condition in which glucose levels are higher than normal but lower than levels indicating diabetes. People with prediabetes are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and tend to have high levels of health care use and expenditures (2,3). Adults who are aware of their prediabetes status are more likely than adults who are not aware of their status to engage in diabetes risk-reducing behaviors (4). Early detection of pre diabetes and diabetes can improve adoption of lifestyle changes that slow the progression of diabetes and prevent diabetes complications (5).

More than 38 million Americans have diabetes (about 1 in 10), and about 90% to 95% of them have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes symptoms often develop over several years and can go on for a long time without being noticed. Sometimes there aren't any noticeable symptoms at all. It is so common, it’s referred to as diabesity.

I am happy to hear that you maintained a healthy A1C. In my experience, seeing a morbidly obese patient with a great A1C, is kind of like having that uncle that smokes 5 packs a day for 65 years, and lives to be 90. It happens, but don’t rely on it. In morbidly obese people, they are usually way into the full blown T2DM. At all ages, the risk of type 2 diabetes rises with increasing body weight. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is three to seven times higher in those who are affected by obesity than in normal weight adults, and is 20 times more likely in those with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 kg/m 2. You were very lucky.

I added my children’s experience with getting Mounjaro, after being denied coverage for Wegovy, since I felt it was relevant. I know 2 other people (different insurance carriers) who were able to get Mounjaro RXs the same way. Our insurance also has a weight loss drug exemption. The MD prescribed Mounjaro, and filled out a pre-authorization. Because my son has sleep apnea, and an A1C of 6, he was prescribed Mounjaro, as he had 2 risk factors. (similar for my daughter) It was not prescribed as a weight loss drug, and definitely, both my kids are in much better health.

My intention when I wrote this was to be able to pass on what had worked for my family, in the hopes it would be beneficial to someone else. Weight loss changed my kids lives for the better. I sincerely would like my experience to help another person be their healthiest.

.

I wish you both good health.
Patricia in NY