Wellness Blog

Prediabetes is a condition when there is a rise in the blood sugar levels, but not as much as in type 2 diabetes. It is an early sign or a warning before type 2 diabetes. On a positive note, this can be delayed or prevented by adapting to healthier lifestyle changes. So what are the causes and symptoms, and how can it be prevented? Let’s find out.

 What are the symptoms of prediabetes?

The symptoms of prediabetes are mostly unknown to a person. Although some of the common indicators include:

1. Frequent urination, especially at night
2. Intense thirst
3. Fatigue
4. Black patches in the armpits and under the neck
5. Feeling very hungry

 What are the risk factors and causes of prediabetes?

One of the major reasons is insulin resistance. This is when a muscle, fat or the liver does not respond well to insulin, causing high blood sugar levels.

Some of the reasons for this could be:

1. Obesity - BMI more than 25
2. Genetics
3. Engaging in physical activity less than 3 times a week
4. Stress
5. Lack of quality sleep, obstructive sleep apnea
6. Consuming high-carbon-content foods and saturated fats
7. Hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism
8. Younger than 60 years old

Diagnosis and Tests

Doctors usually diagnose this condition with routine blood tests that include:

1. Fasting Blood Sugar Test: A fasting blood sugar test is done for a person with only the consumption of water and food intake 8 hours prior to the test. Fasting blood sugar level is 100 to 125 mg/dL.
2. HbA1c Test - An HbA1c test is done to know the blood sugar levels in the past two to three months. This diagnosis helps the doctor determine whether the person tested is diabetic or prediabetic.

Management

How can I delay or prevent prediabetes?

The good news is that prediabetes can be delayed or even prevented with slight alterations in what we eat, the hours we spend doing physical activity or prioritising our mental health.

1.  Eating whole foods with simple carbohydrates and the right amount of nutrients
2. Avoid eating sugary foods and lessen the consumption of saturated fats
3. Maintaining an optimum body weight
4. Physical activity atleast 5 times a week, minimum 30 minutes a day
5. Balancing stress and getting quality sleep

 Treatment

It is natural for us to be overwhelmed and adapt to new lifestyle choices or give up on our diets or workouts. But making that a habit can take a toll on our health and well-being. Although the condition of prediabetes can be managed with everyday lifestyle choices, not every person might have the same choice. Do not ignore the early signs or your routine blood tests. Consult an endocrinologist or a diabetologist for treatment and care.