Prediabetes is not a clinical term recognised by the World Health Organisation. But it’s used regularly in the media to describe people who are at high risk of type 2 diabetes and by some healthcare professionals or organisations.
Don’t let the “pre” fool you. Prediabetes is a serious health condition. People with prediabetes have higher blood sugar than normal, but not high enough yet for a diabetes diagnosis. Prediabetes puts you at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
What is Prediabetes
“Prediabetes is also sometimes called borderline diabetes.”
Prediabetes means that your blood sugars are higher than usual, but not high enough for you to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It also means that you are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. You are unlikely to be experiencing any symptoms with prediabetes..
Prediabetes Causes and Risk Factors
You’re more likely to get prediabetes if you:
Are older, especially over age 45
Have a waist larger than 40 inches around if you’re a man and 35 inches around if you’re a woman.
Eat a lot of red and processed meat, drink sugary beverages, and don’t eat much fruit, veggies, nuts, whole grains, or olive oil
Are Black, Native American, Latino, or Pacific Islander
Are overweight or obese, especially if you have extra pounds around your middle (belly fat)
Have high cholesterol, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, and high LDL cholesterol
Don't exercise
Had gestational diabetes or gave birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds
Have polycystic ovary syndrome
Have a sleep problem, like sleep apnea, or work changing shifts or night shifts
Symptoms of Prediabetes
“Without treatment, prediabetes can become type 2 diabetes or cause other serious problems including: Kidney disease, Blindness, High blood pressure, Nerve problems (peripheral neuropathy), Loss of a limb (amputation)”
If you have symptoms, you might notice that:
You're a lot thirstier than usual.
You pee a lot.
Your vision is blurry.
You’re a lot more tired than usual
Prediabetes Prevention
Exercising – Minimum of 30 minutes a day, five days a week
Eating foods low in carbohydrates, sugars, fats, and salt can also help prevent prediabetes.
Don’t smoke.
Don’t have more than one alcoholic drink a day.
Take blood sugar medications as your doctor prescribes.
Get Inspired
Don’t let the “pre” fool you. Prediabetes is a serious health condition. Prediabetes = Preventdiabetes.
Be Proactive! Do your Blood Sugar test regularly to know your Status! Live healthy!
Reference: DBA, NHS, Mayo Clinic, NIDDK, CDC etc.
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