What is Prediabetes?
Often, before people develop type 2 diabetes, they have prediabetes, a condition where the blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as actual diabetes. Unfortunately, even with prediabetes, long-term damage to the heart and circulatory system are possible.
How can you tell if you have prediabetes?
Well, first off, you should be aware of your risk factors - are you at high risk or not? If you think you are at risk for diabetes or prediabetes, consult with your doctor, who can test you using either the A1C test, the fasting plasma glucose test, or the oral glucose tolerance test. These will help determine whether you have a normal metabolism or are at risk for diabetes or prediabetes. If the tests reveal that you have impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose, you have prediabetes.
How do you treat prediabetes?
The good news is, if you treat prediabetes you can prevent the onset of diabetes! Studies have shown that, through modest weight loss and regular physical activity, over half of those diagnosed with prediabetes have been able to delay or prevent developing type 2 diabetes. Our always helpful friends at the American Diabetes Association have some great resources and tips for treating prediabetes and preventing the onset of diabetes.
Thanks for reading, friends! Hopefully some of these resources will help you identify and prevent the onset of diabetes!