Prediabetes is a condition in which the blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
About 1 in 3 people have prediabetes, and more than 80% do not know they have it.
• Normal = 99 mg/dL or lower (below 5.7%)
• Prediabetes = 100 to 125 mg/dL (between 5.7% and 6.4%)
• Diabetes = 126 mg/dL or higher (6.5% or higher)
Prediabetes can put you at an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
However, prediabetes can be controlled with certain lifestyle changes which help prevent or delay type
2 diabetes and other health problems.
How to Know If You Have Prediabetes?
Prediabetes has no specific symptoms. However, some people may experience:
• Increased thirst and hunger
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent urination
What are Risk Factors Associated with Prediabetes?
• Being Overweight
• Being >45 Years
• Alcohol or Tobacco Use
• Family History of Diabetes
• Not Being Physically Active
• Other Health Conditions Like High Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure
• Gestational Diabetes (Diabetes During Pregnancy)
• Having Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
It is important to talk to your doctor about getting tested for blood sugar if you fall under the risk factor category.
Tests and Diagnosis for Prediabetes
Fasting Blood Glucose Test
• Normal = 99 mg/dL or lower (below 5.7%)
• Prediabetes = 100 to 125 mg/dL (between 5.7% and 6.4%)
• Diabetes = 126 mg/dL or higher (6.5% or higher)
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: After the fasting blood glucose test, you will be asked to drink something sugary and test 2 hours after it.
• Normal: Less than 140 mg/dL
• Prediabetes: 140 to 199 mg/dL
• Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher
Hemoglobin A1c test (HbA1c): This test shows average blood sugar levels of the past 2-3 months.
• Normal: 5.6% or less
• Prediabetes: 5.7 to 6.4%
• Diabetes: 6.5% or above
Treatment to Reverse Prediabetes
• Take medication like metformin to lower your blood sugar (if advised by the doctor)
• Get your blood pressure and cholesterol under control.
• Eating a healthy diet and losing weight can make a huge difference.
• Try and practice at least 30 minutes of exercise a day
• Limit alcohol and smoking
Discover Seven Prediabetes Diet Tips
There’s no specific diet plan for prediabetes; however, certain diet changes can balance your blood sugar levels and help reverse prediabetes, thus lowering your chances of getting type 2 diabetes.
• Eat more fiber-rich foods
• Reduce your carbohydrates intake
• Reduce your portion sizes
• Eat lean meats and other proteins
• Limit alcohol and Smoking
Although aware, limit sugars in your diet.
Myths and Facts About Prediabetes
MYTH: Having Prediabetes Indicates You will get Diabetes in Future
FACT: Most people with prediabetes may eventually develop diabetes if left untreated. Managing prediabetes with lifestyle changes and, sometimes, medication can lower risk by over 50%.
Prediabetes: Myth Debunked
MYTH: If you do not have any symptoms, you do not have prediabetes
FACT: Prediabetes is mostly asymptomatic. However, some people might experience classic symptoms like excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, and fatigue.
A blood glucose test is the only way to confirm if you have prediabetes.
