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Diabetes is not dangerous just like that. Metabolic disorders that can lead to uncontrolled blood sugar levels can slowly and surely damage body function and affect many other issues including the heart, kidneys, eyes, skin, nervous system . Diabetes does not happen overnight and there are a number of signs and symptoms that appear before sugar levels in the body become high enough for the disease to be diagnosed. Prediabetes occurs when your blood sugar levels become high but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. But it also puts you at greater risk of developing diabetes in the near future. According to the Lancet study, 101 million people in India, i.e. about 11.4% of the country’s population, are living with diabetes, while 136 million people are living with prediabetes in the country. (Also Read | Diabetes: 6 surprising things that can increase your blood sugar levels)
A fasting blood sugar level of 99 mg/dL or less is normal, 100 to 125 mg/dL indicates you have prediabetes, while 126 mg/dL or higher indicates you have diabetes. Excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, numbness in feet, frequent infections are symptoms of prediabetes but sometimes it can occur without any symptoms.
warning signs of prediabetes
“Prediabetes is a condition that results in higher than normal blood sugar levels, but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. What makes prediabetes especially worrisome is that it Often manifests without any noticeable symptoms. However, in some cases, individuals may experience neuropathic symptoms such as burning or numbness in the feet, which can serve as early warning signs,” Says Dr. Wahid S. Bharmal, consultant-adult and pediatric endocrinologist, Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara.
Risk Factors for Prediabetes
According to Dr. Bharmal, several risk factors contribute to the development of prediabetes. These may include a family history of diabetes, obesity, consuming calorie-dense foods, living a sedentary lifestyle, experiencing chronic stress, having a fatty liver, and suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome. It is important to identify these risk factors to initiate appropriate screening measures.
Prediabetes diagnosis methods
Screening for prediabetes usually includes tests such as HbA1c, fasting blood sugar, and two-hour post-glucose blood sugar test. Individuals with risk factors and those above 30 years of age are advised to undergo these checkups regularly.
“Diagnosing prediabetes is essential because it presents an opportunity for intervention through lifestyle modification. Making changes to diet and exercise habits can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 30 to 45 daily “Aim for minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. Resistance training exercises are performed twice a week on non-consecutive days,” says Dr. Bharmal.
diet for prediabetes
When you are diagnosed with prediabetes, your doctor will usually advise you to follow a diabetic diet. It is advisable to consume whole grains, green vegetables, fruits, protein and fibrous food while avoiding processed foods and sugars.
“When it comes to dietary adjustments, focus on reducing the consumption of simple carbohydrates and calorie-dense foods. Instead, prioritize the intake of green leafy vegetables and appropriate amounts of protein. These “Dietary changes can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote overall health,” says Dr. Bharmal.
“In some cases, drugs like metformin may be prescribed to manage prediabetes. However, lifestyle changes remain the cornerstone of treatment,” the expert says.
Regular monitoring of HbA1c levels every six months is necessary for individuals with prediabetes. This allows tracking of progress and adjustment of treatment strategies as needed.
Can prediabetes be reversed?
Experts say that prediabetes can be reversed with the help of appropriate lifestyle changes.
“Prediabetes does not always have symptoms, it is a disorder that is often ignored. If it is not treated, it can lead to type 2 diabetes and pose considerable health risks. “Type 2 diabetes can be effectively prevented or delayed by early detection through screening.” Lifestyle changes such as exercise, dietary changes, and medication as needed. Maintaining long-term health and well-being requires aggressive management of prediabetes,” says Dr. Bharmal.
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