Prediabetes is a condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than they should be, but not yet high enough to be considered diabetes. Pre-diabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes, a disease in which your body does not use insulin properly.
Statistics now show that 33 percent of American adults has this condition. Left untreated, this condition can eventually endanger your health in the form of heart disease and stroke.
But the good news is that with your determination to change your lifestyle, prediabetes is reversible. You can easily find out if you have this condition, just by asking your doctor to do a blood test.
Prediabetes: Symptoms
Common symptoms are increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue and blurred vision. If you experience these, get a blood test done right away. Also, if you fit the following profile outlined below — then it’s even more important that you don’t delay and get your blood test done as soon as possible.
- You’re overweight.
- Age 45 or older.
- You have a parent, brother or sister with type 2 diabetes.
- lead a sedentary life.
- had diabetes during pregnancy, or given birth to a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds.
Prediabetes: It’s Reversible
Yes it is.
A study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that even modest lifestyle changes helps reverse this condition. Even just a weight loss of 7 percent reduces your risk for full blown diabetes by 58 percent!
In addition, start an exercise program right away. You can start by walking 15 minutes a day, every day. As you get into better shape, increase your sessions to 30 minutes a day. If you don’t enjoy walking, find another aerobic activity — such as swimming. Choose what you like best, but just do it.
If you need help to get started, no problem. Just contact the American Diabetes Association (ADA). They organize workshops geared to a variety of different groups. To find one near you, contact the ADA (800-DIABETES).
Also check out The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Diabetes Prevention Program. This program will help you learn about healthy lifestyle changes — related to eating habits, exercise and more.
Their program is offered at YMCAs, community centers, churches and hospitals across the country. To find one near you, enter your zip code into the CDC’s program finder tool. While there are not many CDC programs covered by Medicare yet, you may look for Medicare-covered classes near you by entering your zip code here. You should always ask about coverage to make sure you are not charged any unexpected costs.
Good Luck and stay healthy!