Understanding what pre-diabetes is and how you can arm yourself with vital information so that you can avoid developing full-blown diabetes is very important. Pre-diabetes is known to have similar symptoms but does not actually have all the criteria to be called diabetes.
Pre-diabetes is known and referred to as the borderline to diabetes as well as impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glucose. It is a condition where the blood sugar levels are above normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Below are some blood sugar numbers you should probably be aware of:
- Normal range: 60-99
- Pre-diabetes:100-125
- Diabetes: 126+ on two separate blood tests.
Likewise, someone with a high blood pressure that is greater than 135/80 mmHg should also consider being tested for diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends that starting at age 45, all adults get screened for diabetes. People who are younger but have risk factors such as family history, obesity or other risk factors should also be screened for diabetes. Children can be affected as well. Type 2 diabetes is now being seen in children and adolescents.
Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. If you suspect that you may be a diabetic, you should be tested as soon as possible. It is necessary to find experienced and compassionate emergency physicians who will get you tested and if needed, recommend the necessary treatment for you and if not needed, arm you with steps you can take to avoid a full-blown diabetes if you’re showing signs of pre-diabetes.
Pre-diabetes unfortunately has no symptoms or signs that are easily detectable, however you need to understand what the symptoms are for type 2 diabetes:
- Blurred vision
- Feeling hungry always
- Putting on weight
- Losing weight without knowing why
- Wounds not healing fast
- Having symptoms that would indicate the flu like fatigue or weakness
- Skin infections that will not go away
- Bladder or vaginal infections that keep coming back
While we may be able to clearly define symptoms that are specific to pre-diabetes, below are some of the causes of pre-diabetes:
- A family history of diabetes
- Overweight or obesity
- Low levels of the good cholesterol (HDL)
- High blood pressure or hypertension
- Cardiovascular disease
- Sleep disorders
- Increased triglycerides levels
- Impaired glucose levels and/or metabolic syndrome
Apparently, there are many people that have pre-diabetes who will in the end develop type 2 diabetes, however if you can detect that you have pre-diabetes early, you will be able to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes and all the complications that are associated with it like heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, strokes, and amputations.
Preventing Diabetes
Understanding what pre-diabetes is will allow you to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes so that you can avoid the complications that are associated with diabetes. Pre-diabetes can mostly be avoided by implementing a routine of healthy nutritious diet and regular exercise.
This may appear difficult at first but you’re better off this way than having to worry about Type 2 Diabetes.
- Exercise is recommended to reduce your pre-diabetes risk and other health concerns. Aerobic activities such as walking, riding a bicycle, or swimming for about 30 minutes to one hour daily is a great place to start. Exercise lowers insulin resistance which is a precursor to diabetes and pre-diabetes.
- Good eating habits are essential to lowering your risk of developing pre-diabetes. Reduce your total carbohydrates intake, especially carbs with a high glycemic index such as fruit juice, regular soda, white bread, and white rice and generally, ensure to watch your portion sizes so that you’re not overeating on each meal.
- Try to reduce your body mass by at least 5-10%. This way, you lower your insulin resistance which in turn lowers your chances of developing diabetes.
- Lastly, quit smoking.
Control your blood pressure and ask your doctor for a blood lipid profile. This will help understand the state of your cardiovascular health. By way of summary, below are five steps you should take to prevent pre-diabetes or a full-blown type 2 diabetes;
- Eat healthy, nutritious meals
- Exercise regularly
- Reduce your portion sizes
- Reduce your body mass
- Quit smoking
Prevention they say is better than cure, and it’s a whole lot cheaper!
EAT RIGHT, LIVE RIGHT AND BE HEALTHY
With Love and gratitude as always, Xo!
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Disclaimer: Please note that I am not your doctor while I am a health coach by profession. This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice nor does it establish any kind of medical relationship between you and me. I will not be held liable for any damage resulting from or related to your use of this information.