WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is prediabetes? Prediabetes is a blood glucose level that is higher than normal. It is not high enough to be considered diabetes. Prediabetes is also called impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance. Prediabetes increases your risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. What increases my risk for prediabetes? - Overweight or obesity
- Lack of physical activity
- Older age
- Family history of diabetes (parent or sibling)
- A history of heart disease, gestational diabetes, or polycystic ovary syndrome
- Having delivered a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds
- High blood pressure or cholesterol levels that are not normal
- Being African American, Latino, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander
What are the symptoms of prediabetes? Prediabetes may not cause any symptoms, or it may cause symptoms similar to diabetes. These may include any of the following: - More hunger or thirst than usual
- Frequent urination
- Weight loss without trying
- Blurred vision
How is prediabetes diagnosed? - An A1c test shows the average amount of sugar in your blood over the past 2 to 3 months.
- A fasting plasma glucose test is when your blood sugar level is tested after you have not eaten for 8 hours.
- An oral glucose tolerance test starts with a blood sugar level check after you have not eaten for 8 hours. You are then given a glucose drink. Your blood sugar level is checked after 1 hour, and again after 2 hours. Healthcare providers look at how much your blood sugar level increases from the first check.
How is prediabetes managed? Weight loss and exercise work best to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes. You can decrease your risk of type 2 diabetes by doing the following: - Lose weight if you are overweight. A weight loss of 7% of your body weight can help to lower your blood sugar level. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, you should lose 14 pounds.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise can help decrease your blood sugar level. It can also help to decrease your risk of heart disease and help you lose weight. Exercise for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week. Examples of exercise include walking or swimming. Include muscle strengthening activities 2 days each week. Do not sit for longer than 90 minutes. Work with your healthcare provider to create an exercise plan.
- Decrease the amount of calories you eat to help you lose weight. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, and eat whole-grain foods more often. Choose dairy foods, meat, and other protein foods that are low in fat. Eat fewer sweets such as candy, cookies, regular soda, and sweetened drinks. You can also decrease calories by eating smaller portion sizes. Work with your healthcare provider or dietitian to develop a meal plan that is right for you.
- Take diabetes medicine, if needed. You may need to take diabetes medicine if your risk for diabetes is very high. Diabetes medicine can help to lower your blood sugar.
What else can I do to manage my health? - Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed. You will need to return every year to get tested for diabetes. Your healthcare provider may want to test your blood sugar more often if you are taking diabetes medicine.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine can damage blood vessels. Do not use e-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco in place of cigarettes or to help you quit. They still contain nicotine. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help quitting.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You have more hunger or thirst than usual.
- You are urinating more frequently than normal.
- You lose weight without trying.
- You have blurred vision.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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