More than 54 million people in the United States have prediabetes. Are you one of them? When a person has type 2 diabetes, it is almost always after they had prediabetes, which is when the blood glucose is higher than normal but not as high as someone with diabetes. Most people find out they are pre-diabetic after their doctor has given them a blood test. Although prediabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes, it doesn’t always.
If you have prediabetes, there is an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes within a decade, unless you adopt a healthier lifestyle full of physical activity and weight loss. If a doctor gives you an oral glucose tolerance test, and at two hours after your blood glucose is 140-199 mg/dl, you are considered to have “impaired glucose intolerance” or prediabetes.
How do you know if you’re at risk for developing prediabetes? And, should you get screened for it? The following list details those who should be screened:
- Overweight adults over 45
- Overweight adults under 45 with the following risk factors:
- Those physically inactive
- Those who have a family history of diabetes
- Those who are Asian American, African American, Hispanic American, and Native American.
- Those who have elevated blood pressure, polycystic ovary syndrome, and a history of vascular disease.
- Those who had gestational diabetes
- Those who have an HDL cholesterol level or 35 mg/dl or lower and/or triglyceride level of 250 mg/dl or higher.
- Those who have already been told they have an impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance.
If you are one of the people who is at risk for developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, you can reduce your risk by 58 percent by losing weight, increasing physical activity (walking 30 minutes a day is sufficient).
By taking control of your symptoms of prediabetes early on, you can reverse some of these symptoms and get elevated blood glucose levels back to a normal range. By just losing 10 to 15 pounds, a person can help his or get body get back on track, along with daily exercise.
On my site, I have provided a diabetes assessment tool. Once you have submitted your answers, the tool will send your answers directly to me; I will contact you with my feedback on this assessment.
This test is only designed and intended to better help you understand your current conditions; it is not a medical diagnosis. After discussing your results, you can schedule an in-person consult with me for proper testing and medical diagnosis to determine what your current symptoms may mean.
Take the test now, here.
If you think you’re at risk for developing prediabetes or may currently have it, it’s time to contact the doctors. Dr. Kordonowy of Internal Medicine, Lipid & Wellness can test you, and share ways with you to prevent and reserve the condition. He can also offer dietary advice to help you get your glucose levels back to normal range. To book an appointment with Dr. Kordonowy, click here or call 239-362-3005, ext. 200.
