Prediabetes

Overview

Prediabetes is a condition in which a person's blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes. However, if left untreated, prediabetes can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other serious health problems.

Types of Prediabetes

There are several types of prediabetes, including:

1. Impaired fasting glucose (IFG): Blood sugar levels are higher than normal after an overnight fast, but not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes.
2. Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT): Blood sugar levels are higher than normal after a meal, but not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes.
3. Combination of IFG and IGT: A person may have both IFG and IGT, indicating that their blood sugar levels are higher than normal both after fasting and after eating.

Causes of Prediabetes

The exact cause of prediabetes is often unknown, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. Some potential causes of prediabetes include:

1. Genetic predisposition: Having a family history of type 2 diabetes or other metabolic disorders.
2. Lack of physical activity: Not engaging in regular physical activity can contribute to insulin resistance.
3. Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing prediabetes.
4. Poor diet: Consuming a diet that is high in refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and saturated fats can contribute to insulin resistance.

Risk Factors of Prediabetes

Certain individuals may be at higher risk for developing prediabetes, including:

1. Age: Being over 45 years old.
2. Family history: Having a family history of type 2 diabetes or other metabolic disorders.
3. Ethnicity: Being African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, or Asian American.
4. Physical inactivity: Not engaging in regular physical activity.
5. Obesity: Being overweight or obese.
6. History of gestational diabetes: Having a history of gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

Symptoms of Prediabetes

Preventions of Prediabetes

The good news is that prediabetes can be prevented or managed through lifestyle changes, including:

1. Eating healthy foods: Consuming a balanced diet that is low in added sugars, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats.
2. Making physical activity part of your daily routine: Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking or jogging, for at least 30 minutes per day.
3. Staying at a healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight through a combination of diet and exercise.

Diagnosis of Prediabetes

Diagnosis of prediabetes typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. The following tests may be used:

1. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test: Measuring blood sugar levels after an overnight fast.
2. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): Measuring blood sugar levels after consuming a sugary drink.
3. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test: Measuring average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.

Treatment for Prediabetes

Treatment for prediabetes typically involves lifestyle changes, such as:

1. Dietary changes: Consuming a balanced diet that is low in added sugars, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats.
2. Physical activity: Engaging in regular physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day.
3. Weight loss: Maintaining a healthy weight through a combination of diet and exercise.

When to seek medical attention ?

If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes or if you are experiencing symptoms of prediabetes, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional promptly.