Are you curious to know about prediabetes, or are you already on the journey? You're in the right place! In this article, we'll explore the basic signs, symptoms, and prevention of prediabetes.
What is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes is a condition where your blood glucose levels are higher than normal but haven't reached a certain level for diabetes. In diabetes, the body struggles to produce or utilize insulin effectively, leading to an accumulation of excess glucose in the blood. Over time, this elevated glucose level has negative effects on the body.
Blood Glucose Levels Range in Prediabetes:
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA),
- In prediabetes, your HbA1C level (a measure of average blood sugar over the past 3 months) is between 5.7% and 6.4%.
- Alternatively, your fasting blood sugar level (measured after not eating for at least 8 hours) is between 100 and 125 mg/dL.
[ Also Read: HbA1C Test Range and Limitations ]
Causes of Prediabetes:
Following are some of the main important factors that increase the risk of developing prediabetes.
1. Being Overweight or Obese:
Carrying excess body fat around the abdomen significantly increases the risk of prediabetes.
2. Having a Family History of Diabetes:
If you have a parent or sibling with diabetes your chances of developing prediabetes are higher.
3. Advancing Age:
As we get older the risk of prediabetes tends to rise.
4. Lack of Activity:
Regular exercise plays a role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
5. History of Gestational Diabetes:
Women who have experienced gestational diabetes during pregnancy have an increased likelihood of developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes later in life.
Presence of certain medical conditions, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
6. Having gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
7. Chronic consumption of a diet rich in sugars, carbohydrates and processed foods.
Prediabetes Signs and Symptoms:
Prediabetes typically doesn't exhibit symptoms, which often leads to individuals being unaware that they have it. If you are, at risk of developing prediabetes it is crucial to undergo testing to detect it on.
Here are a few potential indicators and symptoms of prediabetes.
1. Feeling More Thirsty than Usual:
This is a sign of prediabetes. When your blood sugar levels are high your kidneys have to work to remove the sugar, which can result in increased thirst.
2. Frequent Urination:
When you consume fluids your body tends to eliminate them frequently through urination. This happens because your body tries to get rid of the surplus sugar in your blood.
3. Increased Appetite:
Insufficient glucose for energy can trigger signals from your brain to eat more. As a result you may experience heightened hunger levels after meals.
4. Fatigue:
Elevated blood sugar levels can cause fatigue and sluggishness as your body works harder to process the sugar.
5. Blurred Vision:
High blood sugar levels may lead to vision.
6. Delayed Healing of Wounds:
When your blood sugar levels are high your body lacks energy to heal itself promptly. This can result in a healing process, for wounds.
7. Tingling or Numbness in the Hands or Feet:
Elevated blood sugar levels can cause damage to the nerves in your hands and feet leading to sensations of tingling, numbness or pain.
If you experience any of these symptoms it is crucial to consult with your doctor for prediabetes testing. Early detection and treatment can effectively prevent the development of type 2 diabetes and other serious health complications.
How to Prevent Prediabetes?
There are measures you can take to prevent prediabetes, including;
1. Maintaining Ideal Weight:
Even a modest amount of weight loss can have positive effects, on blood sugar levels.
2. Make Sure to Engage in Activity:
Strive to dedicate at least 30 minutes a day to moderate intensity exercise, for most of the week.
3. Diet
Choose a diet that includes an abundance of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It's important to limit your consumption of processed foods, sugary beverages and unhealthy fats.
4. Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking is crucial as it can harm your blood vessels and increase the risk of developing diabetes.
If you have prediabetes it is essential to maintain check ups, with your doctor. This allows them to monitor your blood sugar levels closely while ensuring that your treatment plan is effective. By making changes, to your lifestyle and in instances taking medication you have the ability to avoid or postpone the development of type 2 diabetes and lower the chances of experiencing complications.
Also Read the Articles:
* Insulin Resistance: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
* Chia Seeds for Weight Loss: Benefits, How to Use
* Top 13 Yoga Poses for Diabetes
* Diabetic Neuropathy - Types, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention
