What is pre diabetes? Pre diabetes is a condition in which you have higher than normal glucose levels, yet not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) almost everyone has pre diabetes before they are diagnosed with type 2, and studies show that there are currently 79 million people who have pre diabetes in the United States alone. Research also shows that many of the conditions attributed to diabetes begin in this pre diabetes state.
Pre Diabetes Symptoms
Unfortunately, many times there are no pre diabetes symptoms. If they were clearer, there would probably be less of a diabetic epidemic in the world today. Sometimes people’s skin becomes darkened in certain areas like the neck, armpits, elbows, knees, and knuckles. This condition is called acanthosisnigricans, and it is caused by too high of insulin levels in the blood. This is one of the only clear indicators that you may be at risk of diabetes however.
Signs of Pre Diabetes
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes are sometimes found in pre diabetics. You could use these as signs indicating that you may have, or are developing, the condition. Signs to watch out for are:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
If you notice any of these diabetes symptoms you should consult with your doctor, particularly if you have any risk factors for diabetes. Diabetes risk factors include:
- Being overweight
- Being inactive
- Having a family history of diabetes
- Being of an ethnic background such as African-American, Hispanic, American Indian, Asian-American, or Pacific Islander.
- Having high blood pressure
- Having high LDL cholesterol levels, low HDL cholesterol levels, or high triglyceride levels
If you carry any of these risk factors, it is best to get tested for pre diabetes from time to time. Your doctor will likely administer a simple fasting glucose test to see if your blood sugar levels are high. Getting diagnosed with pre diabetes will give you the chance to try and avoid complications that you may have if you wait to be diagnosed with diabetes. In fact, some people who have pre diabetes never end up having diabetes because of changes they have made in their diet and lifestyle.
Pre Diabetes Treatment
What is pre diabetes treatment? Pre diabetes treatment mostly happens at home. If you find out that you do have pre diabetes, the first thing that you must do is take on a pre diabetes diet. This means taking a lot of fats and carbohydrates out of your diet and eating smaller portions of food. A diet for pre diabetes should mostly consist of fruits and vegetables, followed by lean meats and whole grains. It is also recommended that you eat fatty fish a couple of times a week.
Losing weight is another very serious part of pre diabetes treatment. Some studies show that just shedding 10% of your body weigh can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes immensely. You should also begin exercising for 30 minutes a day daily as well as staying as active as possible the rest of the time.
