There are 79 million people in the United States alone who have pre diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association, creating a need for pre diabetes treatment. Those who have pre diabetes can obtain long-term damage to certain areas of the body, even when they don’t have full-blown diabetes. The circulatory system and heart are most likely to experience damage during pre diabetes. Pre diabetes treatment methods may help prevent this kind of damage from occurring, and most importantly it may help to stop the development of type 2 diabetes.
A person may have pre diabetes if they experience symptoms like increased thirst, fatigue, frequent urination, darkened areas of the skin and blurred vision. However, pre diabetes often has no signs or symptoms. Therefore, it is important for people to be aware if they are at risk to getting diabetes. For example, if a person has diabetes in their family history, they should be regularly screened for pre diabetes. Race also plays a factor. African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders have a higher chance of developing the disease and should seek pre diabetes treatment if diagnosed. Elderly people are also at increased risk, especially if in one of the above ethnic groups. The American Diabetes Association also offers a test on its website to help people determine how at risk they may be for pre diabetes.
A doctor can determine if a person is experiencing pre diabetes by giving certain tests. If a person tests positive, pre diabetes treatment should begin immediately. There are three different tests used by doctors to detect pre diabetes: The A1C test, the fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). These tests measure glucose levels and can determine if a person has normal metabolism. They can also tell the difference in pre diabetes or diabetes if a person is affected.
Lifestyle Changes are Most Important Treatment For Pre Diabetes
When it comes to the treatment of pre diabetes, making permanent lifestyle changes is not an option. Losing 5 to 7 percent of one’s body weight can drastically reduce a pre diabetes-stricken person’s chances of developing type 2 diabetes. If a person weighs 200 pounds, 10 to 20 pounds of weight loss can make a world of difference. Treatment of pre diabetes also includes reducing fat and calorie consumption, as well as getting between two and three hours of physical exercise per week.
Even with these lifestyle changes, monitoring blood glucose is important when it comes to treatment of pre diabetes. This will help people to reverse pre diabetes by putting blood glucose levels back into a normal bracket. Even if diabetes is not ultimately prevented, treatment for pre diabetes can delay its onset. Talking to a healthcare provider is also essential for people with pre diabetes to determine where their condition stands and how drastic of measures need to be taken to get it under control.
