Is It possible to develop Type 2 Diabetes from Prediabetes?
Make sure you don't let the "pre" fool you!
Initially considered a normal health issue, prediabetes has been shown to have serious health consequences if left untreated. Individuals with prediabetes are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
If required attention is not paid, prediabetes can lead to many other health complications. Get your blood sugar levels checked as prediabetes does not usually show any visible symptoms, especially if you're at high risk. Testing the blood sugar levels might help identify if you’re at risk.
What is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes is a health condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells cannot use insulin effectively (insulin resistance). A hormone called insulin is required for the bloodstream to carry glucose into the cells, which metabolises it for energy. High insulin resistance is frequently linked to prediabetes, which results in excessive amounts of glucose remaining in the blood without entering the cells.
A fasting blood glucose level of 100 mg/dL or less is considered normal. However, a value between 100 and 125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes. When blood glucose level rises above 125 mg/dL, it is identified as type 2 diabetes.
Can prediabetes develop into type 2 diabetes?
Having pre-diabetes is an early warning sign that one might develop type 2 diabetes in the future. Get your blood sugar levels checked and ensure an early diagnosis because prediabetes doesn't usually show any obvious symptoms, especially if you're at high risk.
Now the question is; Is it possible to reverse prediabetes?
Yes, it is possible to reverse prediabetes through lifestyle changes. Many people can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by reducing their weight, increasing their physical activity levels, and sticking to a balanced diet. Numerous initiatives are available to support healthy living and the reversal of prediabetes symptoms.
Don’t panic after a prediabetes diagnosis!
Let’s consider it an opportunity to make healthy lifestyle choices and prevent type 2 diabetes.
Just a few changes can help you control your blood sugar and even delay your condition's progression. Healthy lifestyle choices can aid in lowering blood sugar levels to normal ranges and prevent them from increasing to those associated with type 2 diabetes.
To stop prediabetes from turning into type 2 diabetes, you must adopt the following lifestyle changes:
- Eat healthy foods: A lower risk of prediabetes is linked to a diet rich in fruits, nuts, vegetables and whole grains. Choose foods that are high in fibre and low in fat and calories. To help you achieve your goals without sacrificing flavour or nutrition, eat various foods and experiment with cooking
- Be more active: To prevent type 2 diabetes, it is advised to engage in moderate activity for at least 150 minutes weekly or 30 minutes daily.
- Lose excess weight: Blood glucose control and prediabetes can be greatly improved by a small weight loss of 5% to 7%. Focus on making long-term adjustments to your food and exercise routines if you want to maintain a healthy weight.
- Stop smoking: Quitting smoking can improve insulin performance and help lower blood sugar levels.
- Take medications as prescribed: To reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure, it is important to take medicines on time, as per your doctor’s prescription.
Isn’t it wonderful to know that prediabetes can be reversed? Your blood sugar levels can be brought back to a healthy range by losing weight, exercising, and making other lifestyle adjustments. Do check with your doctor on how to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes as per your unique health conditions.
Remember, early detection of prediabetes can help in disease management and perhaps, even prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications such as heart disease and stroke.
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