When your blood sugar levels are above normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes, you have pre-diabetes. It is a warning sign that you are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. However, the good news is that pre-diabetes can be detected early, and steps can be taken to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. In this article, we will discuss how pre-diabetes can be detected early and what preventive measures you can take.
Pre Diabetes Symptoms
Pre-diabetes is often asymptomatic, which means that you may not experience any symptoms. The only way to know if you have pre-diabetes is to get tested. Some of the symptoms of diabetes are:
- Increased thirst
- More frequent urination
- Sudden weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Numbness in hands
- Skin infection
Causes And Risk Factors
- People older than 45 years of age
- Have a waist that is larger than 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women.
- Consume a lot of red and processed meat, sugary drinks, and little fruit, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, or olive oil
- Overweight or obese
- Have excessive triglycerides
- Poor HDL cholesterol, high LDL cholesterol, and high cholesterol
- Had gestational diabetes
- Gave birth to a child of more than 9 pounds
- Possess polycystic ovary syndrome
- Having a sleeping disorder
Tests and Prediabetes Diagnosis
Either of the test will be performed to diagnose prediabetes:
Fasting plasma glucose test: After fasting for eight hours, a technician will draw blood to check your blood sugar levels.
Oral glucose tolerance test: The test consists of 2 rounds- one on an empty stomach and the other after consuming something sweet. Additional blood will be drawn two hours later in order to conduct more tests.
Hemoglobin A1c test: Your normal blood sugar levels for the previous two to three months are revealed by this blood test. It is given to diabetic patients by doctors to assess how effectively their blood sugar levels are being maintained. Detecting diabetes, or prediabetes, is another purpose for it.
There are two tests that are commonly used to diagnose pre-diabetes: the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). In the FPG test, you will be asked to fast for at least eight hours, and then your blood sugar level will be measured. If your blood sugar level is between 100 and 125 mg/dL, you have pre-diabetes. In the OGTT, your blood sugar level will be measured after you drink a sugary solution. If your blood sugar level is between 140 and 199 mg/dL, you have pre-diabetes.
Also Read – Type 2 Diabetes: Early Signs, Symptoms, Causes, Diet, Treatment
Preventive Measures
If you have pre-diabetes, there are several preventive measures that you can take to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. These include:
Make Healthy Food Choices: Making healthy food choices is crucial to prevent type 2 diabetes. You should aim to eat a balanced diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. Avoid processed and sugary foods, which can raise your blood sugar levels.
Exercise Regularly: Regular exercise can help improve insulin sensitivity, which means that your body can use insulin more effectively to regulate blood sugar levels. Make an effort to complete 150 minutes or more of moderate-intensity activity per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
Lose Weight: Losing weight can help improve insulin sensitivity and lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. By eating a balanced diet and performing regular exercise, try to maintain a healthy weight.
Quit Smoking: Smoking can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as well as other chronic diseases. Quitting smoking can help improve your overall health and reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress can raise your blood sugar levels and increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
Get Enough Sleep: Aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night. As lack of sleep can affect your body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels and increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels: If you have pre-diabetes, it is essential to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. This can help you track your progress and make necessary adjustments to your lifestyle.
In conclusion, pre-diabetes is a warning sign that you are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, with early detection and preventive measures, you can reduce your risk and delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. If you have pre-diabetes, it is important to make healthy lifestyle choices and work with your healthcare provider to manage your condition.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
