Prediabetes is a condition where your blood glucose level is higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered Type 2 diabetes. However, if you do not make healthy lifestyle changes now, you will be at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes soon. Your family clinic in Nashville, Cape Sierra Family Clinic, is here to help you with your prediabetes screening.
Symptoms of Prediabetes
Unfortunately, prediabetes doesn’t usually cause any symptoms. However, it could cause the darkening of some parts of your skin.
However, if prediabetes progresses into Type 2 diabetes, you could experience:
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Increased hunger
- Fatigue
- Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands
- Slow-healing sores
- Unintended weight loss
- Blurred vision
Risk Factors for Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes
Certain factors can increase your risk for developing both prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.
- Weight – Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of prediabetes. Increased fatty tissues can cause your cells to become resistant to insulin, leading to the risk of prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.
- Waist size – A large waist size might indicate insulin resistance. Men with a waist larger than 40 inches and women with a waist larger than 35 inches are at a higher risk of developing prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.
- Diet–Consuming excess red meat, processed meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, and other similar foods, can increase your risk of prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.
- Physical activity level – People living a sedentary lifestyle (couch potatoes) are at a higher risk of prediabetes.
- Family history – Genetics – If you have a parent or sibling with Type 2 diabetes, you may also develop prediabetes if you don’t take care of yourself.
- Gestational diabetes – If you have gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy), there is a higher chance of you and your child developing prediabetes.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)– Women suffering from PCOS symptoms (irregular menstruation, obesity) are likely to develop prediabetes.
- Sleep issues – Overweight or obese people can develop sleep apnea, a condition where the patient may experience repeated stopping and starting of their breathing during sleep. Smoking tobacco – Smoking tobacco can increase insulin resistance leading to prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes.
How does Your Doctor Screen for Prediabetes?
Your doctor at your medical clinic in Nashville may perform the following tests for prediabetes screening.
Glycated Hemoglobin (A1C) Test
Doctors perform this test to check your average blood sugar for the past 2 to 3 months. If your blood glucose level is below 5.7%, it’s considered normal. If it is between 5.7% and 6.4%, you may have prediabetes. However, if your blood glucose level is 6.5% or higher, you may have diabetes.
Fasting Blood Sugar Test
Your doctor will collect your blood sample after you haven’t eaten for at least eight hours or overnight. If the result is less than 100 mg/dL, it is considered normal. If the blood sugar level is 100 to 125 mg/dL, you may have prediabetes. However, if the result is 126 mg/dL or higher, you may have diabetes.
Managing Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes
If screening revealed that you have prediabetes or you are experiencing signs of Type 2 diabetes, consult your doctor now at your family practice in Nashville, TN, Cape Sierra Family Clinic, to develop an immediate action plan for managing your condition.
Follow a Healthy Diet
Immediately start caring about the foods you eat. Ensure your diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and more healthy alternatives. Improve your health by eating food low in fat and calories and high in fiber. Your doctor will also advise you about the foods you should consume or avoid to manage your condition.
Get Active
Regular physical activities are crucial to managing a healthy weight, utilizing glucose for energy, and allowing the body to use insulin more effectively. You doctor can help guide you about how much exercise you should get to reduce your risk of prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Keeping a healthy weight can help prevent your prediabetes from progressing into Type 2 diabetes. Follow a healthy and balanced diet and get exercise regularly to help improve your overall health and reduce the risk of prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.
Quit Smoking
If you smoke, stop! Quitting smoking will help improve your health and blood glucose levels.
Manage Stress
Learn meditation and how to calm down. Breathing exercises, Yoga, and other relaxing activities will help manage your stress levels, which is crucial for reducing the risk of prediabetes.
Quality Sleep
Getting adequate, well-rested sleep improves your overall health and helps prevent the development of prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes.
Not everyone who has prediabetes will also get Type 2 diabetes. However, prediabetes screening is needed to diagnose the risk of Type 2 diabetes. With healthy lifestyle changes, exercise, and healthy foods, you too can reduce your blood glucose levels and avoid this problem.
Cape Sierra Family Clinic can help with chronic disease prevention and diabetes management in Nashville. Whether you are at risk of developing prediabetes or have developed Type 2 diabetes, visit us to create an action plan to manage your symptoms and get better.
