A prediabetes diagnosis indicates a higher-than-normal blood sugar level. However, it does not reach the threshold of being considered a diabetes diagnosis. According to a 2014 study, long-term data suggest that lifestyle intervention may lower the risk of developing prediabetes for at least ten years. According to a recent study, 5 to 10 percent of those with prediabetes develop diabetes every year.
Prediabetes can also cause other medical problems, including heart disease and stroke. Fortunately, prediabetes may be reversed with treatment. Lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and medication may be used to treat it. The first step in dealing with prediabetes is to understand what it entails. Continue reading to learn more about this diagnosis and what you can do about it.
Prediabetes Synonyms
The following are some of the terms used to describe prediabetes:
- Glucose intolerance, which means higher-than-normal blood sugar levels after a meal.
- Increased fasting glucose implies higher-than-normal blood sugar in the morning before eating.
- Hemoglobin A1C levels range from 5.7 to 6.4 percent.
What are the Indications of Prediabetes?
There are no distinct symptoms of prediabetes. Some sufferers of insulin resistance might develop an allergic reaction called acanthosis nigricans, which is a sign of PCOS. It does not occur in every case of PCOS, but when it does, the development of dark, thick, and often velvety patches of the skin occurs.
This discoloration occurs typically around the:
- Knees
- Elbows
- Armpits
- Neck
- Knuckles
If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes, you must see your doctor if any of the following symptoms appear:
- Increased thirst
- An increased urge to urinate, especially at night
- Blurry vision
- Tiredness
- Sores and wounds that won’t heal.
These signs of type 2 diabetes may indicate that your prediabetes has developed into type 2 diabetes. To determine this, your doctor may need to conduct a series of tests.
Causes of Prediabetes
When you eat, the pancreas releases a hormone called insulin that helps move sugar from your blood into your cells and serves as an energy source. That is how insulin helps to lower your blood sugar levels. The causes of prediabetes are similar to those of diabetes, although at a later stage. They start with:
- Insulin resistance is a condition in which cells fail to respond adequately to insulin.
- Increased oxidative stress, both owing to hyperglycemia and insulin resistance.
A normal blood glucose level is 70 to less than 140 mg/dL (mg/dL). If you have prediabetes, your blood sugar levels will rise from 100 mg/dL to 125 mg/DL. Once your blood sugar level rises above 125, you’ll be labeled as having diabetes.
Prediabetes Risk Factors
Prediabetes may strike anybody, and specific circumstances can raise your likelihood of developing it. According to a study, prediabetes is strongly associated with lifestyle factors and genes. The following are some of the significant risk causes for prediabetes:
- Age. Over 45 years old, people are more likely to have prediabetes.
- Body weight. If you have a BMI of 25 or more, your physician may recommend that you be tested for prediabetes.
- Waist size. Cholesterol around the waist than the hips raises your risk of prediabetes. If you’re a guy, check if your waist is 40 or more inches; if you’re a girl, make sure it’s 35 or more.
- Race and ethnicity. According to the CDC, African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans are more likely to have prediabetes. According to the CDC, health disparities like access to healthcare may contribute to this higher rate.
- Diet. Consuming red meat, refined meats, and sugar-sweetened beverages might raise your risk of prediabetes.
- Physical inactivity. Regular exercise can not only help you maintain a healthy weight, but it may also decrease your chances of developing prediabetes.
- Family history. You may be more prone to prediabetes if you have a close relative with type 2 diabetes.
- Tobacco use. Smoking has been shown to raise the risk of insulin resistance and, in addition to this, may be linked to a worsening waist size, which is another risk factor for pre-diabetes.
- Medical history. There are various causes of insulin resistance and prediabetes, including asphyxia during birth (sleep apnea), gestational diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
Preventing Type 2 Diabetes
According to the CDC, losing just 5 to 7 percent of your weight if you are overweight can significantly decrease your chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Other risk factors include high-stress levels and smoking. One of the most effective methods to maintain an average weight and avoid type 2 diabetes is to adjust your diet and lifestyle.
Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
- Fiber-rich foods, non-starchy vegetables, nuts and seeds, fruits, whole grains, and legumes, should be eaten in larger quantities.
- Reduce sugar intake, especially sweets and sugary beverages like soda, sweet tea, and sports drinks.
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of activity each week, or about 30 minutes every day for five days.
- Consider giving up if you smoke.
- Meditation, deep breathing, yoga, and other stress reduction methods can help you manage your stress.
Mr. Edward James is a diabetes researcher developing new prediabetes and type 2 diabetes treatments. This article has looked at prediabetes synonyms, indications of prediabetes, causes of prediabetes, and risk factors. It is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of prediabetes so that you can seek treatment if necessary and prevent type 2 diabetes from developing. Thanks for reading!
