Prediabetes – Your Chance To Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
What is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes refers to a serious condition in which blood sugar levels are elevated above normal but not high enough to cause type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes affects approximately 96 million Americans, more than one in three. More than 80% of those who have prediabetes don't realize they have it. Prediabetes increases your risk of developing type2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Good news! If you have prediabetes the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program will help you make lifestyle changes that can prevent or delay type 2.
What causes prediabetes?
Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas. It acts as a key to allow blood sugar to cells for energy. Prediabetes is a condition in which insulin doesn't work as well in the body. To get cells to respond, your pancreas produces more insulin. Your pancreas eventually stops producing enough insulin to keep up with your needs, so your blood sugar levels rise, leading to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Signs and Symptoms
Prediabetes can be present for years without any obvious symptoms. This means that it is often not diagnosed until more serious conditions like type 2 diabetes are discovered. If you are at risk for developing prediabetes, it is important to speak to your doctor to have your blood sugar checked.
Good news! Prediabetes can be reversed. See Mike's story.
Being overweight
Age 45 or older
Type 2 Diabetes in a parent, sibling, or brother
Physical activity less than three times per week
Ever have gestational diabetic (diabetes during pregnancy), or give birth to a baby that weighed more than 9 lbs.
Having polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Ethnicity and race are also factors: African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans and some Asian Americans are at greater risk.
Simple Blood Sugar Test
To determine if you have prediabetes, you can take a simple blood sugar test. If you feel the need to be tested, consult your doctor.
Preventing Type 2 Diabetes
Prediabetes can be reduced by losing weight, especially if you are overweight. Regular exercise and healthy eating habits can also help. For a 200-pound individual, a small weight loss can mean a reduction of 5% to 7 percent of your body weight. This is just 10 to 14 lbs. Regular physical activity is 150 minutes of brisk walking per week or another similar activity. This is just 30 minutes per day, five days per week.
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Imagine you and the National Diabetes Prevention program.
The National Diabetes Prevention Program, CDC-led, can help you make lifestyle changes that will last. The program can help you lower your chances of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 58% (or 71% if over 60). Highlights:
Work with a coach to make real, lasting lifestyle changes
Learn how to eat well and get more exercise into your day.
Learn how to deal with stress and stay motivated.
Support from others with similar goals or challenges
Ask your doctor or nurse if your area has a CDC-recognized National Diabetes Prevention Program. You can also find one here. Now is the best time to prevent type-2 diabetes.
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