In the United States, more than 1 in 3 adults have prediabetes, yet more than 80% of them don’t even know they have it. Prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Understanding what prediabetes is, why it matters, and how to manage it is crucial to preventing more serious health complications down the road.
What is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes occurs when your body begins to have trouble processing glucose, or blood sugar, effectively. Normally, after you eat, your body releases insulin, a hormone that helps move glucose from your bloodstream into your cells to be used as energy. However, in people with prediabetes, this process starts to break down. Your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or your cells become resistant to insulin’s effects, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
Why Does Prediabetes Matter?
Prediabetes is a critical warning sign that your body is heading toward type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition that can lead to severe complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss. The progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes isn’t inevitable; with the right lifestyle changes, it can be slowed or even reversed.
Risk Factors for Pre-Diabetes
Several factors can increase your risk of developing prediabetes:
- Age: The risk increases after age 45.
- Family History: Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes raises your risk.
- Weight: Being overweight or obese is a significant risk factor.
- Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle contributes to insulin resistance.
- Ethnicity: People of African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander descent have a higher risk.
Symptoms of Prediabetes
One of the challenges with prediabetes is that it often doesn’t present any obvious symptoms. However, some individuals may experience signs such as:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
Because these symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other conditions, regular check-ups with your primary care provider are essential for early detection.
Diagnosis of Prediabetes
Pre-diabetes is typically diagnosed through blood tests that measure your blood glucose levels. The most common tests include:
- A1C Test: Measures your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. An A1C level between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes.
- Fasting Plasma Glucose Test: Measures your blood sugar after an overnight fast. A level between 100 and 125 mg/dL is considered prediabetic.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures your blood sugar before and after you drink a sugary liquid. A reading between 140 and 199 mg/dL two hours after drinking the liquid indicates prediabetes.
Managing Prediabetes
The good news is that prediabetes can often be managed through lifestyle changes. Here are some key strategies:
- Healthy Eating: Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Reducing your intake of sugary foods and beverages can also help keep blood sugar levels in check.
- Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. Activities like walking, swimming, or cycling can help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.
- Weight Loss: Losing just 5-7% of your body weight can significantly reduce your risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking increases insulin resistance and can exacerbate prediabetes.
- Regular Monitoring: Keep track of your blood sugar levels as recommended by your healthcare provider. Regular monitoring can help you stay on track and make necessary adjustments to your management plan.
The Role of Comprehensive Care
At Avance Care, we offer comprehensive care to help you manage prediabetes and prevent its progression to type 2 diabetes. Our approach includes regular screenings, personalized lifestyle recommendations, nutritional counseling, and ongoing support to help you make sustainable changes. We understand that managing prediabetes is not just about controlling blood sugar; it’s about improving overall health and well-being.
Prediabetes is a serious condition, but it’s also an opportunity. With the right care and commitment, you can take control of your health and prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and working closely with your healthcare team can make all the difference. If you’re concerned about prediabetes or want to learn more about how to manage it, contact our office today. We’re here to support you on your journey to better health.
