Over the next 30 years, experts predict that the number of people living with diabetes will increase significantly.
What is prediabetes?
You have prediabetes if your blood sugar level is higher than usual, however,the level is not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. However, prediabetic adults and kids are at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes if their lifestyles are not changed.
What is the difference between prediabetes and type 2 diabetes?
A fasting blood sugar level of 99 mg/dL or lower is normal, 100 to 125 mg/dL indicates you have prediabetes, and 126 mg/dL or higher indicates you have diabetes.
Prediabetes can be considered as the preliminary stage of developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes type 2 is a disorder that develops gradually over time. The increasing requirement to transport sugar into the cells for energy outpaces the pancreas' ability to produce enough insulin. In type 2 diabetes, blood sugar levels must be controlled with medication and lifestyle modifications to prevent diabetic complications.
Different from other types of diabetes, type 1 is an autoimmune conditionbrought on when the immune system attacks the pancreas.
What causes prediabetes?
There is no recognised reason for prediabetes. However, it seems that genetics and family history are significant factors. It is evident that patients with prediabetes are unable to utilize sugar (glucose) optimally.
The pancreas, a gland found behind the stomach, is responsible for producing insulin. When you eat, your pancreas releases insulin into your blood. The pancreas decreases the release of insulin into the blood when your blood sugar starts to fall.
This technique is less effective if you have prediabetes. As a result, sugar builds up in your bloodstream rather than providing energy to your cells. This may occur because:
- Your pancreas isn't producing enough insulin
- Your cells develop insulin resistance and stop absorbing as much sugar
What are the symptoms of prediabetes?
Prediabetes typically has neither symptoms nor indicators. Darkened skin on specific body areas is one potential indicator of prediabetes. The neck, armpits, and groin can all be affected. Other prediabetes symptoms include sleepiness, weight gain and lethargy
Traditional warning signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes having replaced prediabetes include:
- Fatigue
- Intensified thirst
- Increased hunger
- Distorted vision
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- Infections
- Slowly healing wounds
- Sudden loss of weight
Who is at risk for prediabetes?
The same risk factors for type 2 diabetes also raise the possibility of developing prediabetes. These risk factors include:
Weight– One of the main risk factors for prediabetes is being overweight. Your cells become more insulin-resistant, the more fatty tissue you have, particularly inside and between the muscle and skin surrounding your abdomen.
Age– Despite the fact that diabetes can occur at any age, the risk of prediabetes rises after the age of 45.
Diet- A increased risk of prediabetes is linked to consuming red meat, processed meat, and drinks with added sugar.
Lethargy– Your chance of developing prediabetes increases if your level of activity is less.
Family history– Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes raises your risk of developing prediabetes.
Pregnancy diabetes– Both you and your child are at an increased risk of getting prediabetes if you have gestational diabetes.
Smoking- Smoking increases the resistance of insulin and the risk of type 2 diabetes.
How is prediabetes diagnosed?
Your healthcare professional will perform prediabetes test by a blood test. You will be asked to take a fasting plasma glucose testthat involves checking your blood after an eight to twelvehours fast that is withoput eating or drinking anything except water).
The A1C test shows your average blood sugar levels during the previous two to three months.
A prediabetes diagnosis would be made if:
- Your fasting plasma glucose level is between 100 and 125 mg/dL (normal range: less than 100; diabetes range: 126 or higher).
- Your A1c test results range from 5.7% to 6.4% mg/dL (the normal range is less than 5.7%); diabetes is defined as a reading of 6.5% or higher.
How is prediabetes treated?
Prediabetes treatment does not have to be difficult. It can be done by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet and consistent exercise can help prevent or postpone type 2 diabetes.
You can frequently restore healthy blood sugar levels by reducing your prediabetes risk factors.
- Try to handle or lessen stress
- Stop smoking and drinking
- Recognize sleep issues and treat them
- Control high cholesterol and high blood pressure
- Get in touch with a dietician and follow a proper diet chart
Prediabetes diet includes–
- Healthy grains like brown rice, ragi, jowar, bajra etc.
- Plant-based proteins like beans, nuts
- Healthy fats like olive oil
- Fiber such as fruits, vegetables, whole grain
- Ditching the sugary drinks
- Staying hydrated
Prediabetes is a common disease. The good news is that prediabetes is a transitory phase. Your blood sugar levels can return to a healthy range with diet, exercise, and other lifestyle adjustments. Discuss with your healthcare professional how you can prevent type 2 diabetes.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
