Pre diabetes blood glucose levels is the major indicator in determining if an individual is at risk for developing the condition of Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a condition that occurs in people whose pancreas produces insufficient insulin levels or their body is unable to utilize the insulin that is produced. These people are generally referred to as insulin resistant.
When a person’s blood sugar level is higher than the recommended range, but too low to qualify for the diabetic range, this person is termed pre-diabetic. In the past, doctors have referred to pre-diabetes as Impaired Glucose Tolerance or Impaired Fasting Glucose as these are the names of the tests that are administered in order to check for the condition.
Approximately seventy-nine million people in the United Stated have pre-diabetes and of this number, 50% are likely to develop full blown Type 2 diabetes within ten years. In addition, the pre-diabetic may already be suffering from some ailments that diabetics endure, and may not realize it. Diabetics and pre-diabetics are both prone to developing heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers if their condition is not treated promptly.
Pre Diabetes Blood Glucose Levels – What Groups are at Risk
Individuals who have a family history of diabetes or are of certain race, such as African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic-American, should be screened annually in order to prevent diabetes. Females who have had gestational diabetes and have given birth to a larger than nine pound baby, are also prone to having pre diabetes blood glucose levels.
Individuals who are overweight or obese, specifically those people who have a BMI of thirty of greater, are susceptible to having elevated sugar levels. Individuals who are over forty-five years old and anyone with increased numbers of blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides should also be weary of developing this condition.
Pre Diabetes Blood Glucose Levels – What to Do
As numerous individuals have pre diabetes blood glucose levels and may not be aware of it, it is important to schedule yearly doctors’ visits, if not biyearly. Doctors will administer one of two tests to screen for pre-diabetes, either the fasting plasma glucose test or the oral glucose tolerance test. Both tests require the patient to fast overnight and then the sugar level is tested right away in the morning. The difference with the oral test is that after the glucose is checked, the individual is asked to drink a sugary liquid concoction and then two hours later, the glucose level is retested. Each test is an accurate indicator of sugar levels, so the doctor will test depending upon his preference.
If the results of the tests confirm that a person’s glucose levels are elevated, or above 100mg/dL, the doctor will require the patient to make certain lifestyle adjustments. The individual will want to lose at least 5-10% of their total body weight, add daily exercise, and ensure their diet is healthy. Researchers have discovered that 58% of pre-diabetics are able to prohibit the development of diabetes by implementing these simple changes.
