Everything You Should Know About Prediabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a serious condition that requires constant control and daily medical support. However, this disease doesn’t occur overnight; before it, people go through a prediabetes period, which can lead to type 2 diabetes development if not taken care of on time. If noticed and treated on time, prediabetes won’t have such a serious impact on one’s health, which is the main point of all diabetes-related treatments. That’s the main reason we came up with today’s article: to inform our readers about the condition, explain all the prediabetes nuances, as well as give some helpful tips to notice the condition on time. Hopefully, it’ll help others to take better care of themselves and keep blood glucose levels within the normal range.

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Prediabetes Risk Factors You Should Remember

Sometimes, it can be challenging to detect prediabetes in patients before it’s too late; the main reason is this condition’s minor symptoms, which are pretty easy to confuse with everyday issues we are already used to. To ensure the problem is present, it’s better to discuss recommended blood tests with a doctor. Still, certain factors mean it’s better to be careful and watch out, as you are more likely to experience developing prediabetes. What are those?

• Being overweight or obese;
• Having a family history of type 2 diabetes;
• Being physically inactive;
• Being of the age of 45 and older;
• Being a woman with a history of gestational diabetes.

Note: Males are at a higher risk of experiencing prediabetes than females. Thus, it’s highly recommended to consider certain lifestyle changes, consult with a doctor about the recommendations according to one’s particular situation, and always be careful not to provoke the condition to develop.

Is It Possible to Reverse the Condition?

If prediabetes is confirmed, it doesn’t mean there’s no hope left. Healthy lifestyle changes can be incredibly helpful in controlling the condition, so remember these recommendations and incorporate them into your routine as soon as possible!

• Maintain a healthy diet. Fruit and vegetables, low-calorie snacks, and a well-planned nutrition ratio can help with weight management, which is an incredibly important thing when it comes to maintaining normal blood sugar levels;
• Manage the weight. If you have excess weight, it’s time to plan your lifestyle alterations seriously. According to a national diabetes prevention program and numerous research, losing 5 to 7 percent of the body mass can help with prediabetes prevention;
• Stay active. When it comes to a successful weight loss journey, regular physical activity has an immense effect on its development. Add easy stretches to your routine, maybe go swimming. Find something you’d enjoy doing, as having fun is an important part of establishing one’s routine;
• Quit smoking. Smoking can affect one’s blood sugar level and diabetes control abilities in general. There are numerous programs and treatments that can help you get rid of this poor habit, so consider those for the sake of your own well-being.

These are common advice you may consider; to get more instructions for your personal case, we recommend talking to a medical professional and creating a plan according to your needs.

Main Symptoms That Characterise Insulin Resistance

The trickiest thing about prediabetes is that it doesn’t show any prominent signs that may indicate its development. One thing we can point out is the darkening skin in certain areas, such as armpits, groin, and neck. However, some signs indicate prediabetes may slowly transform into type 2 diabetes. Inform a specialist if you notice any of these:

• Increased thirst and hunger;
• Frequent urination;
• Fatigue;
• Blurred vision;
• Slowe-healing wounds;
• Unexpected weight loss.

All of these may be signs of concern, so we highly recommend talking to a doctor to be safe and avoid any related complications. There are some ways to test for prediabetes, and we are going to discuss them further in the article.

Prediabetes Tests for an Early Diagnosis

Those at increased risk of experiencing prediabetes must undergo regular checkups to ensure they are safe and have nothing to worry about. There are a few tests that may be pretty helpful for this purpose, and we are going to list all the benefits of each of them below.

Fasting Plasma Glucose Test

Before this test, you shouldn’t eat for at least 8 hours; afterward, a nurse should take your blood test to check your sugar levels.

The results’ indications:

• Normal range: the blood sugar is less than 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL);
• Prediabetes range: the blood sugar is 100-125 mg/dL;
• Diabetes range: the blood sugar is 126 mg/dL or higher.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

After the fasting plasma test, you’ll be asked to drink something sugary; in two hours, your blood will be collected to see how your organism reacted to the sweet shack.

The results’ indications:

• Normal range: the blood sugar is less than 140 mg/dL after the second test;
• Prediabetes range: the blood sugar is 140-199 mg/dL after the second test;
• Diabetes range: the blood sugar is 200 mg/dL or higher after the second test.

Hemoglobin A1c Test

This test is typically used to show one’s blood sugar levels during the last two to three months. It’s needed to see whether a person’s blood sugar is normally within the average range. Besides, this test is also quite effective in diagnosing prediabetes and diabetes.

The results’ indications:

• Normal range if it’s 5.6% or less;
• Prediabetes range if it’s 5.7%-6.4%;
• Diabetes range if it’s 6.5% or above.

Sometimes, the test can be taken a few times to confirm the numbers are correct.

Tips to Take Care of Yourself If You Have Prediabetes

Even though managing prediabetes may sound complicated and scary, it’s actually not difficult. Sure, there are some lifestyle changes you must get used to, but it’s manageable, especially if you team up with an educated medical professional. Plus, there are some things that may help you on your journey:

• Educate yourself on the topic. Do your best to understand the condition, how it affects you, and the most helpful tips and tricks for using it in your everyday life. And, of course, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions: the better you understand the topic – the easier it’ll be to control the condition;
• Educate your close ones on this topic. Sometimes, it’s too hard to be on your prediabetes journey on your own, so ensure your relatives and friends at least know the basics about prediabetes, probable help you may need, and other essential nuances;
• Be cautious about your mental health. Being diagnosed with prediabetes can be scary, so there is a chance it may affect your mental health. Please remember you’re not alone on this journey; there are those who care about you and are ready to support you. And if you have any struggles, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help.

The Final Word

Prediabetes is a condition that signals a person about their potential of developing type 2 diabetes. If this issue is diagnosed on time, many complications can be prevented, so it’s important to contact a doctor immediately after the first signs of prediabetes are noticed. It’s also important to go through regular checkups because sometimes, basic symptoms are not that prominent until it’s already too late. So, don’t ignore any warning signs, undergo regular checkups if you’re likely to develop prediabetes, and follow the doctor’s recommendations to live a full, happy life without severe conditions. And Insulin.Store is always here, ready to support you whenever you need!