Before diabetes strikes: The shocking truth about prediabetes you need to know

Economic Times

6 days ago

Prediabetes vs diabetes: Prediabetes affects over 96 million American adults, with most unaware of their condition. It's characterized by higher-than-normal blood sugar, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Early detection through blood tests like FPG and A1C is crucial, and lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and weight management can prevent or delay progression.
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What Is Prediabetes and Why Is It Serious?
Can You Have Prediabetes Without Knowing?
What Causes Prediabetes?
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Who Is at Risk for Prediabetes?
Overweight or obese, having a high body mass index
Aged 45 years or older
Have a parent or sibling with diabetes
Are physically inactive
Have health conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol
Have gestational diabetes, which is diabetes when a person is pregnant
Have a history of heart disease or stroke
Have metabolic syndrome
Have polycystic ovary syndrome
A normal result is 99 or lower.
If the number falls between 100 and 125, that's considered prediabetes.
Anything 126 or above usually means type 2 diabetes.
A normal A1C is under 5.7%.
If it's between 5.7% and 6.4%, that's prediabetes.
6.5% or higher means type 2 diabetes.
Why Catching Prediabetes Early Matters
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How Is Prediabetes Treated?
Can You Prevent Prediabetes?
Maintain a healthy weight
Make healthier food choices
Move your body
Don't smoke
FAQs
More than 96 million American adults have, that's over one in three people, and most of them don't even know it, as per a report.Prediabetes means youris higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as, but it's a serious health condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, as per a Health report.While prediabetes often shows up without any symptoms, as more than 80% of people do not even know they have it, but still, a few people may notice some symptoms, like darkened or velvety skin and small skin growth in the armpit or the back of the neck, as per the Health report.ALSO READ: Tim Cook just beat Steve Jobs in one major way — here's what it means for Apple's future Prediabetes can happen for a few different reasons. For some people, it starts with insulin resistance, that means the cells in their muscles, fat, and liver stop responding well to insulin, the hormone that helps move glucose (sugar) from their blood into their cells for energy, as per the Health report.When that happens, the person's body tries to fix the problem by making more insulin, but sometimes, even that isn't enough, and the beta cells in their pancreas, which make insulin, can't keep up, as per the report. So when insulin doesn't work the way it should, or there's just not enough of it, too much glucose stays in the bloodstream, as per the Health report. That's what leads to prediabetes, and over time, it can turn into type 2 diabetes, according to the report.ALSO READ: As the July jobs report paints a grim picture, 114 companies plan layoffs in August - is yours on the list? People who are prone to developing prediabetes are due to genetic and lifestyle factors and the risk of prediabetes may go up if a person has the following issues, as complied by Health report:To find out if a person has prediabetes, their doctor will need to check their blood sugar, and the two most common ways to do this are the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test and the A1C test, as per the Health report.The FPG test is pretty straightforward. The person will need to fast, meaning no food or drinks except water, for 8 to 12 hours beforehand, as per the Health report. Then the blood sugar is measured at that moment, according to the report.The A1C test is a bit different. It shows your average blood sugar over the past three months, as per the Health report.Catching prediabetes early can make a big difference. It gives you a chance to protect a person's body before serious damage happens, especially to the blood vessels, as per the report. When blood vessels are harmed, it can affect important organs like your heart, kidneys, and eyes, according to the Health report.Treatment usually starts with simple lifestyle changes, like getting 30 minutes of exercise a day, which can really help, as per the Health report. In some cases, though, medication might be needed too, according to the report.The good news is that prediabetes can often be prevented, and even if a person already has it, these same steps can help delay or stop type 2 diabetes from developing, as per the Health report.Carrying extra weight raises your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but it's not the only factor. Even people who are at a 'normal' weight can develop diabetes. Still, keeping the weight in a healthy range can make a big difference, as per the Health report.Try to eat more non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens, and cut back on added sugars in foods and drinks, as per the Health report. Swap refined grains for whole ones, and do your best to limit highly processed foods. It's not about being perfect—it's about making better choices most of the time, as per the Health report.Aim for 150 minutes of physical activity a week—that's just 30 minutes a day, five days a week, according to the report. It doesn't have to be intense. Walking, dancing, swimming, anything that gets you moving helps your body use insulin more effectively,as per the Health report.If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health, as per the Health report. If you don't smoke, don't start. Smoking damages your blood vessels, heart, lungs, and more, including your skin, according to the report.Yes. Most people with prediabetes have no symptoms at all, as per the Health report.You'll need a blood test, either a fasting glucose test or an A1C test, as per the Health report.