What is Prediabetes?
A Healthier Michigan
| 3 min read
Your blood sugar levels could be higher than normal but not high enough to be Type 2 diabetes. This is called prediabetes. However, the condition can lead to the development of diabetes without lifestyle changes to lower blood sugar levels. A blood sugar level of 100mg to125 mg per deciliter in a fasting blood sugar test is considered pre-diabetes.
Signs and symptoms of pre-diabetes
Prediabetes does not necessarily have noticeable symptoms in daily life, and it needs a blood sugar test to be diagnosed. Symptoms you may notice include:
- increased thirst or hunger
- increased urination
- fatigue and lack of stamina
- blurred vision
- numbness or tingling in extremities
- cuts, scrapes and sores are slow to heal
- weight loss or weight gain
- dark spots of skin, especially on the armpits, back and neck
What causes prediabetes?
Prediabetes is defined by elevated blood sugar levels, which are caused by insulin resistance. Insulin resistance results in poor blood sugar regulation as insulin is necessary for breaking down and metabolizing ingested sugar. Insulin resistance can be affected by several factors, including:
- genetics
- cardiovascular conditions
- nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- thyroid disorders
- obesity
- chronic stress
- sedentary living
- diets high in ultra-processed foods, high-carb foods and saturated fats
- smoking and drinking, especially excessive drinking
- being older than 45
What are the risks of pre-diabetes?
The primary risk of pre-diabetes is that it can easily develop into Type 2 diabetes, which is a significant health issue that cannot be treated or reversed as easily as pre-diabetes. Diabetes raises the risk of many other health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and issues with the eyes, limbs and nervous system. Diabetes requires daily maintenance in the form of injected insulin and blood sugar testing. Complications from diabetes are not reversable and require ongoing care.
Is prediabetes reversible?
In some cases, prediabetes can be reversed. Some of the risk factors for prediabetes cannot be changed, such as genetics or existing conditions. However, there are lifestyle changes that can help to reverse prediabetes and lower the risk of prediabetes developing into Type 2 diabetes. The main lifestyle changes include:
- weight loss and weight management if obese or overweight
- increased physical activity to avoid a sedentary lifestyle
- diet changes to avoid ultra-processed foods, added sugars and saturated fats that can lead to pre-diabetes
- stopping smoking
- reducing or abstaining from alcohol use
- decreasing stress levels
- getting a proper amount of sleep and improving sleep quality
There are some medications that may be prescribed on a case-by-case basis to stymie the development or progression of prediabetes if lifestyle changes are not effective enough. If you are concerned about your risk of prediabetes, talk to your doctor, take a blood sugar test or full blood panel and discuss lifestyle changes.
