- Pre-Diabetes is a warning sign that indicates an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- It is often caused by genetic and lifestyle factors, such as being overweight, having high cholesterol levels, and leading a sedentary lifestyle.
- Left untreated, pre-diabetes can lead to various problems like heart disease, vision loss, nerve damage, and kidney problems.
- Treatment options include nerve treatment, exercise, dietary changes, and medications.
- Taking pre-diabetes seriously is essential to reduce the risk of developing diabetes in the future.
Pre-Diabetes is often seen as a phase that is not a severe condition. However, it is a warning sign that your blood sugar levels are rising and could lead to diabetes if left untreated. According to the American Diabetes Association, it affects over 88 million people in the United States alone. Here’s what you need to know about pre-diabetes and how to treat it before it worsens.
What is Pre-Diabetes?
Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when the glucose of a person is not normal but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. It is considered a warning sign that indicates an increased risk of developing full-blown diabetes in the future.
In pre-diabetes, the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels becomes impaired. This condition is often associated with insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin, a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. As a result, glucose (sugar) builds up in the bloodstream instead of being absorbed by the cells for energy.
The exact cause of pre-diabetes is not fully understood, but genetic and lifestyle factors influence it. Risk factors for pre-diabetes include being overweight or obese, having a sedentary lifestyle, having a family history of diabetes, having high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels, and being over 45. Here are some common problems that pre-diabetes can cause.
Increased Risk of Heart Disease
Pre-Diabetes increases your risk of developing heart disease. When your blood sugar level is high, it causes damage to your blood vessels, leading to heart issues. People with Pre-Diabetes are two times more likely to develop heart issues than those with normal blood sugar levels.
Vision Problems
Pre-Diabetes can cause damage to the small blood vessels in your eyes, leading to vision problems or even blindness. According to the National Eye Institute, Pre-Diabetics patients are likelier to experience blurry vision, double vision, or even complete vision loss.
Nerve Damage
High blood sugar levels can cause damage to your nerves, leading to neuropathy. This can cause loss of sensation in your legs or feet, leading to injuries or infections that can become a severe problem for Pre-Diabetic patients.
Kidney Problems
Pre-Diabetes increases the risk of developing kidney problems. Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause damage to your kidneys, leading to kidney disease. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, people with Pre-Diabetes are 1.5 times more likely to develop kidney disease.
Develop Diabetes
Pre-Diabetes increases the likelihood of developing diabetes. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 15-30% of people with Pre-Diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years. Taking Pre-Diabetes seriously is essential, as making the necessary dietary and lifestyle changes prevents it from progressing into diabetes.
Treatment Options
Various treatment options can help deal with pre-diabetes. Here are some of them.
Nerve Treatment
Pre-diabetes usually comes from nerve damage, so getting nerve treatment is the first step in treating pre-diabetes. This involves treatment for any pain or tingling sensations that may have been caused by the neuropathy. A reliable neuropathy treatment utilizes a combination of prescription medications, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies to help reduce nerve pain. It’s certainly more affordable than treating diabetes in the future.
Exercise
Regular exercise is the best way to improve insulin resistance and manage blood sugar levels. The American Diabetes Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity weekly exercise for pre-diabetics. This includes brisk walking, biking, dancing, swimming, and jogging.
Diet and Exercise
Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly can help manage your blood sugar levels more effectively. Eating healthy foods like whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats and limiting processed foods can help. Cutting down on sugar consumption is also essential.
Exercise and medication
Medications may sometimes be needed to help manage your blood sugar levels. Commonly prescribed medications include metformin and lipizide. However, combining these with regular exercise for maximum benefit is still essential.
Pre-diabetes should not be taken lightly, as it can lead to more severe health problems if left untreated for too long. Making the necessary lifestyle changes and taking the proper medications are all essential in treating pre-diabetes before it worsens into diabetes. With proper treatment and prevention methods in place, you can reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
