My blood pressure has been flagged as pre-diabetic – what should I do?
Today,
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Dr Zoe Williams helps Sun readers with their health concerns
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Dr Zoe helps a reader whose blood pressure was flagged as pointing to pre-diabetic levels
Q) I RECENTLY had my free health check and my blood pressure was flagged as pointing to pre-diabetic levels.
The high number was 126, and the lower number was 86.
My health practice advised me to take statins. Could they help? Any other advice?
A) IT is great to hear that you had your health check. They are so important because they help you identify silent but dangerous issues with your blood pressure, blood sugar or cholesterol levels.
READ MORE FROM DR ZOE
Your blood pressure results seem OK, but it would be a good idea to still look at measures to prevent it getting any higher.
Being pre-diabetic relates to a higher-than- normal level of sugar, or glucose, in the blood.
It should be taken as a warning sign that you need to make some lifestyle changes.
Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week and eat a healthy and balanced diet, focusing on limiting ultra-processed foods, alcohol and sugary drinks. If you're a smoker, seek support to quit.
Most read in Health
Statins are medicines used to treat high cholesterol levels and, in doing so, reduce your risk of developing a heart attack or stroke in the future.
The good news, though, is that the same lifestyle changes that will help bring down your blood sugar and blood pressure will also help your cholesterol too, and might mean you don't need to take statins.
From 'sagging' lobes to 'hearing food' and different shades of earwax - 12 eerie facts about your ears - Dr Philippa Kaye, GP and author
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IF you are aged 40 to 74 you are eligible for a regular NHS Health Check.
It's free and checks your risk of heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and stroke, and you'll be advised of the symptoms of dementia to look out for.
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