Surprising facts about pre-diabetes

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People with prediabetes often don't know they have the disease. It is possible to prevent or delay prediabetes from developing into type 2 diabetes with simple lifestyle changes.

1. Prediabetes is a big health problem

Prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Prediabetes puts you at risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

2. Prediabetes is a difficult disease to detect

It is possible to have prediabetes for many years with no obvious symptoms, so it often goes undetected until serious health problems appear. So talk to your doctor about checking your blood sugar if you have any of the risk factors for prediabetes, including:
Overweight 45 years of age or older Having a parent, brother or sister girls with type 2 diabetes Physical activity less than 3 times a week Ever had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds (1 pound = 0.45kg) Race and ethnicity Ethnicity is also a factor: African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Indians, Pacific Islanders, and some Asian Americans are at higher risk.

3. Diabetes causes more serious health problems than pre-diabetes

Although people with prediabetes have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke, they don't have to manage the serious health problems that come with diabetes.
Diabetes affects every major organ in the body. People with diabetes often develop major complications, such as kidney failure, blindness, and nerve damage (nerve damage that can lead to amputation of a toe, foot, or entire leg). Some studies show that diabetes doubles the risk of depression, and that risk increases as more diabetes-related health problems develop. All of these complications can result in a drastic reduction in quality of life.

4. Prevent prediabetes from developing into diabetes

Think of prediabetes as a fork in the road: Skip it, and your risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases. Lose a moderate amount of weight and get regular physical activity, and your risk of diabetes is reduced. Moderate weight loss means 5% to 7% of body weight, just 10-14 pounds for a 200-pound person. Regular physical activity means getting at least 150 minutes/week of brisk walking equivalent to 30 minutes/day, 5 days/week or other similar activities. Make the necessary lifestyle changes to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Through the program, participants:
Work with a coach trained to make lasting lifestyle changes. Discover how to combine healthy eating with increased physical activity.

Learn how managing stress, staying motivated, and solving life problems helps slow the progression of the disease. If you have prediabetes, ask your doctor or nurse about the most effective ways to prevent type 2 diabetes.

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Article referenced source: cdc.gov