A Silent Killer: Prediabetes

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

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Predidabetes can be defined as having blood sugar levels higher than what is recommended to be healthy but low enough that your doctor does not diagnose you with Type 2 Diabetes -yet. Prediabetes is also known by other names such as "impaired fasting glucose" or "impaired glucose tolerance."

There are currently 84 million people over the age of 20 living with prediabetes in the U.S. The problem is 90% of them don't know they have it. Although not widely known by the general population, prediabetes

People with Type 2 Diabetes almost always had prediabetes before developing Type 2 Diabetes. One thing that makes it difficult for people living with prediabetes is that it often occurs with no outwardly visible symptoms. 

Avoiding prediabetes may help you avoid more serious health problems, such as Type 2 Diabetes, problems with the heart, eyes, blood vessels, and kidneys.

Some people who have symptoms may notice:

• Feeling much thirstier than usual
• Frequent urination
• Blurry vision
• Feeing more tired than normal

RISK FACTORS FOR PREDIABETES

• Age over 45
• Waist circumference greater than 40in for men and 35in for women
• Being African American, Native American, Latino, or Pacific Islander
• Obesity/overweight -especially around the middle (large amount of belly fat)
• High cholesterol, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, high LDL cholesterol
• Not exercising
• Had gestational diabetes or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9lbs
• Have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
• Have sleep problem, like sleep apnea or work changing shifts/night shifts

Hemoglobin A1c levels of 5.7-6.4% indicates a person is in a prediabetic state. Levels above 6.5% shows they have developed Tye 2 Diabetes. The goal is to maintain "healthy" hemoglobin A1c levels of 5.6% or less. This can be achieved by exercising and eating foods that promote healthy blood sugar levels. It can save you loads on medications, insurance and health care.

Prediabetes can be reversed or prevented. I'm not just saying this based on something I read. But this is based on something I live. Over 20 years ago my doctor told me I was prediabetic. My immediate response was to ask for a pill. Although a nursing student at the time I knew there were steps I could take to prevent the need for medication and years of suffering the devastating results of not taking action early. And it was that vision that led me into Health and Fitness. Within a few weeks I had my blood sugar at "healthy" levels and have managed to keep it there.

Only you have to live in your body. If you knew you could eliminate the the threat of Type 2 Diabetes in your body would you do it?