Prediabetes is real. It’s common. Approximately 84 million Americans adults have prediabetes. What’s more shocking than this statistic is that more than 90% of people don’t know they have prediabetes. Don’t let the word, “Pre” fool you into thinking this it is not a serious condition.

What is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes refers to pre-diagnosis of diabetes and is often considered a warning sign. When a person’s blood sugar level is higher than normal but is not high enough to be classified as Type-2 diabetes, he is said to be suffering from prediabetes.

Prediabetes is also called borderline diabetes as if left untreated; it can develop into type-2 diabetes. The increasing number of prediabetes cases in America is a cause of concern as it can gradually lead to the development of diabetes.

Prediabetes Symptoms

As diabetes develop gradually, thus when you are in the prediabetes stage, you may not experience any symptom. However, you may notice that you:

  • Are drinking more water
  • Are feeling more tired than usual
  • Are eating more
  • Have lost weight despite eating more
  • Are experiencing blurred vision

While these typical symptoms are often associated with diabetes, if you are in the prediabetes stage, you may experience them.

Risk Factors Associated with Prediabetes

Some of the factors that put you at risk of developing prediabetes include:

  • Having one of the family members with Type-2 diabetes
  • Being overweight
  • Suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome
  • Being physically inactive
  • Aged 45 years old or more

Race and ethnicity are also considered risk factors as American Indians, African Americans, Hispanic and some Asian Americans are at higher risk.

Common Causes of Prediabetes

Insulin created by pancreas act as a key to the entry of blood sugar into different body cells which is further used as energy. Cells of patients suffering from prediabetes don’t respond to insulin naturally. Thus, as sugar is not processed properly, it starts accumulating in the bloodstream instead of fueling the cells. As the blood sugar rise, it set the stage for prediabetes which can convert into Type-2 diabetes if left untreated.

Complications Down The Road

Down the line prediabetes can progress into type-2 diabetes. This can further lead to:

  • Kidney disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Blindness
  • Heart disease
  • Amputations
  • Stroke

Prediabetes is also associated with unrecognized heart attacks, even if it does not progress into Type-2 diabetes.
Prevent Prediabetes from Progressing into Diabetes

If you ignore prediabetes, the risk of having Type-2 diabetes goes up. However, by making certain lifestyle changes, the risk can go down considerably. Thus, it is important to:

  • Evaluate your food choices and eat healthy food
  • Get more physical activity and try to exercise 3 times a week
  • If you are overweight, try to lose weight as soon as you are diagnosed with prediabetes
  • Make sure to control your blood pressure and cholesterol

If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes, make sure to talk to your doctor and know more about your chances of developing Type-2 diabetes.

Work with a trained doctor at home to control prediabetes. Utah Doctors at Home offers in home health care services that make it easier for patients to get high-quality medical care in the comfort of their home. Call for admission details today, (385) 247-0050!