Prediabetes is a medical term used to describe a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
This intermediate health status is an early warning sign that should not be overlooked, as it may be indicative of an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
In this article, we will explain what is prediabetes, their symptoms, risk factor's and how can it be prevented.
Prediabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are elevated but do not meet the criteria to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. In simpler terms, it is an intermediate stage between normal and diabetes. In general, there are two common tests to diagnose prediabetes:
The glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test: A test that measures average blood glucose levels over the past three months. An HbA1c value between 5.7% and 6.4% is generally considered prediabetes.
Fasting glucose test: If fasting blood glucose levels are between 100 and 125 mg/dL, it is considered prediabetes.
Prediabetes is often asymptomatic, meaning that people who have it may not experience obvious symptoms. However, some people may notice mild symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.
Several factors increase the risk of developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, including:
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Family history: If you have a family history of diabetes, your risk may be higher.
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Overweight or Obesity: Excess body weight, especially in the abdominal area, increases the risk of prediabetes.
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Physical inactivity: Lack of regular exercise can contribute to the development of prediabetes.
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Unhealthy diet: Eating a diet high in sugars, saturated fats and refined carbohydrates may increase your risk.
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Age: The risk of prediabetes increases with age, especially after age 45.
- Prevention and management of Prediabetes
- The good news is that prediabetes is reversible and can be prevented in many cases.
Here are some key strategies to prevent or manage prediabetes:
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Diet Changes: Adopting a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and reducing the consumption of sugars and processed foods is essential.
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Physical activity: Incorporating regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or exercise, can help improve insulin sensitivity and control blood glucose levels.
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Weightloss: If you are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can have a significant impact on prediabetes.
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Medical Controls: It is essential to have regular medical checkups to control blood glucose levels and other risk factors. In summary, prediabetes is a serious medical condition that must be taken into account. Identifying it early provides the opportunity to make lifestyle changes and prevent progression to type 2 diabetes. Consult a health care professional for guidance on how to manage prediabetes and reduce your risk of long-term complications.
Information and early action are your best allies in the fight against diabetes.
