Prediabetes is a condition where your sugar levels are above the normal range but not too high to be diagnosed as Type-2 diabetes. This is an indication that one can develop diabetes if he/she doesn’t make the necessary lifestyle changes. With modified lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, proper exercise, sound sleep, and more, anyone having prediabetes can prevent the condition that leads to diabetes.
| Diagnosis | Normal | Prediabetes | Diabetes |
| HbA1c | 5.6% or less | 5.7%-6.4% | 6.5% or more |
| Fasting plasma glucose test | 99 mg /dl or less | 100-125mg/dl | 126 mg /dl or more |
| Oral glucose tolerance test | 140 mg/dl or less | 140-199mg/dl | 200 mg /dl or more |
To prevent prediabetes from leading to Type-2 diabetes, it is important to identify the symptoms and take action steps accordingly. However, diabetes is a progressive condition, and therefore, the symptoms of prediabetes are not quite different from diabetes.
You may, however notice:
Another sign to notice is if you have dark patches on different parts of your body. Generally, the areas that get affected are neck, armpits, elbows, knuckles and knees.
It is challenging to pinpoint the exact cause of prediabetes. However, genetics and family history may play a crucial role. If any of your parents or siblings have diabetes, the chances of you getting the same are higher. Although researchers are not able to understand how the insulin process can be disrupted in certain people, several risk factors can lead to prediabetes.
Prediabetes, or for that matter, Type-2 diabetes have a hereditary factor associated with it. If your parents or their parents have or had diabetes, you are also likely to develop it.
Weight is another risk factor for prediabetes. If you have a BMI of 25 or more and have weight in the lower abdomen, the chances of you getting prediabetes are high. This is because the extra fat cells disrupt the production of insulin in your body.
During pregnancy, the placenta develops hormones that lead to a buildup of glucose in your body. This leads to a condition called gestational diabetes, wherein the mother develops diabetes for that period. If you had the same, the chances of you having prediabetes are likely.
PCOS, a condition where small cysts are formed in your ovaries, leading to insulin resistance and causing prediabetes.
Smoking puts the body through many health risks, one being prediabetes. Smoking affects the blood circulation, thus creating a buildup of sugar in the body and increasing the blood sugar levels.
Other factors that can develop prediabetes are if you are at the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Lack of physical activity or high stress can also be factors for this condition.
Now, that we know the symptoms, causes, and risk factors of prediabetes, here are a few ways to treat if you are diagnosed with the same:
The first step to treat prediabetes is to evaluate your food preferences. Alternate your unhealthy choices with healthy options. Add whole-wheat, vegetables, and protein to your diet. If necessary, you can consult a dietician who will be able to create a proper diet plan for you.
Physical activity is required to burn the fat cells in your body. Moreover, when you workout, the body produces more glucose and more insulin, thus maintaining your blood sugar levels.
Try losing weight, even by 5% to 10% to reduce the risk of progressing this condition to Type-2 diabetes. With the help of a healthy diet, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle, achieving the idle BMI would be a piece of cake.
Once you are diagnosed with prediabetes, it is advisable to check your blood sugar levels to see how your treatment is working for your body.