It’s estimated that 86 million Americans have high blood sugar. Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar is high but not high enough to be Type 2 diabetes. It should be a wakeup call since without intervention, prediabetes is likely to become Type 2 diabetes. It’s important to understand long term damage associated with diabetes such as heart, blood vessel, and kidney damage may have already begun. But it’s not too late to reverse the damage!
The body creates the hormone insulin to help control blood sugar. For people who are prediabetic, insulin production isn’t as efficient as it should. They body might not produce enough insulin or it might not respond to insulin produced.
Often people who are prediabetic will have no outward symptoms at all. But if you have prediabetes, you need to watch for signs of diabetes, such as:
- Feeling very thirsty
- Urinating more often than usual
- Feeling very hungry
- Having blurred vision
- Losing weight without trying
Research indicates diabetes is often associated with heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage even if it hasn’t progressed to Type 2 yet. Prediabetes is also associated with conditions such as high blood pressure, low levels of good cholesterol, and high levels of triglycerides (fat).
The Progression to Type 2 Diabetes Isn’t Inevitable
Eating healthy foods, incorporating physical activity into your daily routine and maintaining a healthy weight can bring your blood sugar back down to a normal level.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
If you are overweight, your prediabetes is more likely to turn into diabetes. Losing even as little as 5% to 10% of your body weight makes a difference. Reducing fat around your waist is particularly important.
Incorporate Exercise Into Your Daily Routine
Studies show staying active helps prevent and manage diabetes. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise everyday. Choose an activity you enjoy such as such as cycling, swimming, ect. Aerobic exercise, the kind that gets your heart rate up, is ideal. Walking is an easy way to get exercise.If you’re not active now, check with your doctor before starting an exercise plan.
Eat a Nutrient Rich Diet
Choose foods low in fat and calories and high in fiber. Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fiber-rich foods help you feel full and avoid overeating. Limit calories, serving sizes, sugar, and starchy carbs. Strive for a variety of healthy foods to help you achieve your goals without compromising taste or nutrition.
If you are prediabetic, diabetic, or just have questions about diabetes, give us a call at 662-282-4226. We’ll happily answer any questions you have and direct you to toward resources to help you manage your diabetes.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prediabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355278
https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/what-is-prediabetes-or-borderline-diabetes
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