DIABETES
Prediabetes
What is Prediabetes?
This is also called impaired fasting glucose. Basically this means that your blood sugar (glucose) is running higher than it should and that you are at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes. Your doctor may want to watch you more closely and test you for diabetes regularly if you are diagnosed with prediabetes.
What Causes Prediabetes?
We need energy for everything that we do. The food we eat turns into sugar and our body uses this for energy. When we have a build-up of too much sugar, this is called prediabetes. Usually, the pancreas (an organ in your abdomen) makes insulin which takes the sugar and delivers it to our body's cells. People with prediabetes (and diabetes) have trouble getting that sugar into their cells so it stays in their blood instead (high blood sugar).
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People who are overweight, do not get enough exercise, and those who have a family history of diabetes are more likely to develop prediabetes. Women who have had gestational diabetes (diabetes in pregnancy) are also at higher risk of developing prediabetes.
What are the Symptoms of Prediabetes?
Most people with prediabetes don't have any symptoms.
Diagnosis of Prediabetes
Prediabetes is diagnosed with a blood test ordered by your doctor. Your doctor may order this test as a routine screening or because they think you are at high risk of developing diabetes.
Treatment
People with prediabetes usually do not need medication. The focus is on lifestyle changes and the goal is preventing your prediabetes from turning into Type 2 Diabetes.
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The key to treating prediabetes and preventing Type 2 Diabetes is lowering your blood sugar levels to a normal range again. This is done through lifestyle changes:
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Watch your weight. If you are overweight, losing even just a small amount of weight can help.
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Eat healthier. Limit your fatty food intake. Reduce the amount of sweet sugary foods. Increase your fruit and vegetable intake. If you don't know where to start, ask your doctor to refer you to a dietician.
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Be active. If you're a beginner, start slowly and increase as tolerated. Even just a 30 minute walk a day makes a big difference!
Diabetes comes with increased risk of many health problems such as heart disease, stroke, vision problems, neuropathies (nerve problems) and kidney disease. These small lifestyle changes can help delay your prediabetes from turning into Type 2 Diabetes and maybe even prevent it from happening altogether.