The American Diabetes Association (ADA) (www.diabetes.org) provides extensive information about the warning signs of what is known as “Pre Diabetes.” Certain races are known to be more often predisposed to diabetes, such as African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders. Prediabetes is when you have a high blood glucose level, but not to the level of type 2 diabetes.
High risk factors for pre diabetic symptoms include: being overweight and/or inactive (especially age 45 or older), high blood pressure, low HDL cholesterol and high triglyceride levels, a family history of diabetes, or a history of gestational diabetes or birth to a baby over 9 pounds. There is also a common condition called polycystic ovary syndrome, which includes excess hair growth, obesity, and irregular menstrual periods, which may point to prediabetes. Another indication of prediabetes, that might show itself before any pre diabetic symptoms, is darkened areas of the skin. This condition, acanthosis nigricans, typically affects the neck, armpits, knuckles, elbows, and knees. People belonging to one of the ethnic groups mentioned above and older individuals should also be tested for pre diabetes. Someone might have prediabetes and not know it, because they don’t have pre diabetic symptoms.
What are Pre Diabetic Symptoms, and What are the Standard Tests?
Many people don’t notice symptoms because they can develop gradually. Pre diabetic symptoms include continual thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, fatigue and irritability, unusual weight loss, blurry vision, slow-healing cuts and bruises, frequent infections, and a tingling or numbness in the hands or feet. It is important to be tested, especially if you are at high risk because of genetics, age, or lifestyle. The three tests that are used to check for prediabetes are: a fasting plasma glucose test (FPG), an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and an A1C test. In the first two, the person must fast overnight, and the glucose level of the blood is tested in the morning before the first meal. In the second test, the glucose level is again checked after consuming a glucose-rich drink. In the A1C test, a blood test shows the average amount of glucose in the bloodstream over the past 3-4 months.
Treatment for Prediabetes
According to the ADA, 11% of those with pre diabetic symptoms developed type 2 diabetes during each year of the three-year follow-up, and that more people develop type 2 diabetes in 10 years.
However, being diagnosed with pre diabetic symptoms does not mean you will necessarily develop diabetes. Symptoms and the full-fledged disease can be prevented with a healthy diet, reduction of sugars and fats, and regular exercise. You should also stop smoking and at least limit caffeine and alcohol consumption.
