What is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. It serves as an early warning sign that the body is struggling to regulate glucose properly, and without intervention, it significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
In individuals with prediabetes, the body either becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it. Insulin is the hormone responsible for helping glucose (sugar) enter cells to be used as energy. When insulin function is impaired, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to higher-than-normal blood sugar levels.
Risk factors for prediabetes include:
Being overweight or obese
Lack of physical activity
Family history of diabetes
Age (45 years or older)
High blood pressure
Abnormal cholesterol levels
History of gestational diabetes
History of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
The condition often has no symptoms, which is why many people may be unaware they have it. A blood test, such as a fasting plasma glucose test or an A1c test, is used to diagnose prediabetes. Early detection is crucial because lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the progression to type 2 diabetes.
If left untreated, prediabetes can lead to, or even worsen, type 2 diabetes. Further serious health complications can be developed, such as:
Heart disease
Stroke
Kidney damage
Nerve damage
Vision loss
Poor wound healing
Amputations
Premature death
How is Prediabetes Treated?
The good news is that prediabetes can often be reversed or managed through lifestyle changes, and in some cases, medication. The goal of treatment is to lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other complications.
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle changes form the cornerstone of managing prediabetes and can often help individuals achieve better blood sugar control. These include:
Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats can help regulate blood sugar levels. Monitoring carbohydrate intake is essential since carbohydrates directly affect blood sugar.
Hydration: As simple as it may seem, drinking water and staying hydrated helps reduce cravings, deters drinking of unhealthier beverages that directly contribute to high blood sugars, and promotes a whole host of many other health benefits.
Movement: Regular exercise, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, improves the body’s ability to use insulin and lowers blood sugar levels. While moderate activity is important, strength training can also play a role in improving insulin sensitivity, helping individuals with diabetes better control high blood sugar levels.
Weight Management: For individuals who are overweight or obese, even modest weight loss can improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.
Blood Sugar Monitoring
To aid with these lifestyle modifications, providers may recommend glucose meters or continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to track the patient's glucose levels. Understanding what foods and activities result in spikes and dips in glucose can be very illuminating to patients as they crack the codes of adjusting their lifestyles to manage prediabetes.
Medications
In some cases, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to control blood sugar levels, and your healthcare provider may recommend medications.
Metformin: This is often prescribed to people with prediabetes who are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Metformin works by lowering glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity.
Medications are typically used in conjunction with lifestyle changes, not as a substitute for them.
Monitoring and Follow-Up
Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is important in managing prediabetes. Healthcare providers will recommend follow-up testing, typically every 3 months to a year, to track progress. Monitoring can help ensure that any necessary adjustments to diet, exercise, or medications are made promptly to keep blood sugar levels in check.
Providers will also often manage other risk factors of type 2 diabetes as well, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and excess weight.
Finding the Right Provider
When managing prediabetes, having the right healthcare team on your side is essential for success. A skilled provider can guide you through the lifestyle changes and treatment options that are most effective for you.
When looking for a provider, consider the following:
Expertise in Diabetes Prevention: Choose a provider who specializes in diabetes care and prevention. They should be well-versed in the latest research and treatment strategies to help reverse prediabetes and prevent type 2 diabetes.
Personalized Care: The right provider will take the time to understand your individual risk factors, health goals, personal food preferences, and lifestyle to develop a personalized care plan. This plan may include dietary guidance, exercise recommendations, and medication if necessary.
Support and Education: A great provider will offer ongoing support and education. Managing prediabetes is a lifelong commitment, and understanding how to make sustainable lifestyle changes is key. Look for a provider who can connect you with resources like dietitians, diabetes educators, and support groups.
Clear Communication: Open and clear communication is crucial in managing prediabetes. You should feel comfortable discussing your concerns, asking questions, and receiving feedback about your progress.
