Are you concerned about Prediabetes? Here are some valuable insights on how to recognize the early signs and take proactive measures for a healthier future.
The prediabetes stage is when a person is at a high risk of developing T2DM (Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus). If a person has a fasting blood sugar level between 100 and 125 mg/dL, which is above normal (less than 100 mg/dL), but less than what is considered diabetes, then the person is said to be in the prediabetes stage. This condition is also called borderline diabetes.
So prediabetes in a nutshell, is when the blood sugar is higher than what’s considered normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. So it’s kind of that interim phase.
We always hear about diabetes, but not much about prediabetes. The scary statistic: according to a recent survey by National Urban Diabetes Survey, it is estimated that 14 per cent of India’s population have Prediabetes, signaling the urgent need towards understanding prediabetics.
Diabetes is a multifactorial disease where lifestyle and genetic factors play a major role. Due to the increase in white-collar jobs and lack of physical activity, people around the world are most prone to type 2 diabetes.
If left untreated, diabetes can develop various complications. These include cardiovascular disease, diabetes foot problems, kidney failure, Alzheimer’s, cancer, vision loss, diabetic neuropathy, and skin disorders.
In this article, we will discuss the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and tips to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes, if you are prediabetic, with lifestyle changes.
Symptoms Of Prediabetes
In general, people do not experience any symptoms in prediabetes, and family history is needed to know the same. But in the minority, people might exhibit a few symptoms, which include:
- Weakness
- High BMI
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow healing cuts
- Increased appetite
A laboratory test is necessary to identify prediabetes
Tests To Diagnose Prediabetes
Depending on your condition, your doctor might recommend one or more of the following tests to diagnose prediabetes:
Fasting Plasma Glucose Test
The fasting Plasma Glucose Test is a test used to measure the glucose level(sugar) in the blood. The fasting plasma glucose test is usually done as part of a routine physical examination or as a follow-up to certain other tests that suggest an increased risk of pre-diabetes.
The test is simple and relatively painless, involving a small blood sample taken from a vein. This blood test measures the glucose level only if you have not eaten anything (except water) for 8 to 12 hours before the test.
The result is used to determine whether an individual has prediabetes or diabetes. Your blood sugar level is normal if it is less than 100 mg/dL. A fasting blood sugar level of 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) is considered prediabetes.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is used to evaluate the body’s ability to process glucose (sugar) from a larger sugary solution. Blood is taken to determine baseline blood sugar level, providing a reference point against which the body’s response to the glucose solution can be measured.
This test is done to measure how well the body can process a large amount of sugar. This test involves a fasting blood sugar test, followed by drinking a sugary solution, and another blood test two hours later. Blood samples are taken at intervals to measure the body’s response to the glucose.
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Test
This blood test provides information on your average blood sugar control over the past few months. The HbA1C test measures the percentage of glycated hemoglobin, which is formed when glucose in the blood binds to the hemoglobin in red blood cells.
This process of glycation is proportional to the average concentration of glucose in the blood over time, providing a long-term picture of blood sugar control.
By measuring the amount of glucose attached to hemoglobin in red blood cells, Haemoglobin A1c(HbA1c) test can help to identify prediabetes and diabetes, as well as monitor diabetes management. A hemoglobin A1c level between 4% and 5.6% is considered normal. If the level is between 5.7% and 6.4%, you have pre-diabetes and are prone to diabetes.
Risk Factors For Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes is a multifactorial disease and is influenced by various factors. According to researchers, both genetic and epigenetic factors are associated with T2DM.
A few of them are listed below:
- Obesity
- Sedentary Lifestyle
- Ageing
- Sex and gender
- Hypertension
- High blood pressure
- High cholestrol levels
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- PCOS
- Other mental conditions like Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder, depression
- Family-based linkage and genetic factors
Take Control Of Your Life-style
Since a large population is affected by prediabetes and is at risk for diabetes, it is essential to prevent such a process through appropriate measures.
Prediabetes is not a one-way street to diabetes. The key to managing prediabetes is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. With small changes in your daily life, you can manage your blood sugar and prevent various other lifestyle diseases.
- With moderate physical activity of around 30 minutes. and losing even 5–10% of your body weight, you can significantly improve your blood sugar level. Even modest weightloss can help in improving blood sugar levels.
- Activities like walking, cycling, or swimming are excellent choices. Create personalised action plans to set up realistic goals.
- Focus on a diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and diet that contains low-fat protein. Incorporate fiber rich foods, lean protein and healthy fats.
Reduce the amount of sugary food, processed food like packaged snacks, fast food and starchy carbohydrates. - Sleep deprivation can affect the sugar levels and overall health. Quality sleep plays an important role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Chronic stress can negatively impact blood sugar levels by increasing the levels of stress hormones like cortisol. Mindfulness and stress management is essential in maintaining good lifestyle.
Taking control of lifestyle is a powerful way to manage pre diabetics. Talk to your doctor about creating a personalized action plan. In some cases, your doctor might recommend medications to manage prediabetes and prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. With early intervention, you can prevent prediabetes from turning into diabetics.
