What Is Prediabetes and How Is It Diagnosed?

Prediabetes is defined as the presence of blood glucose levels that are higher than normal.

If you identify prediabetes in time, you can delay and even prevent the development of diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the use of glucose, which acts as a source of energy or fuel for the body.

How is prediabetes diagnosed?

Prediabetes usually does not have any signs, but there are symptoms that can indicate prediabetes in some cases:
• Increased thirst
• Increased hunger
• Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Darkened skin, primarily on the neck, armpits, and groin
• Involuntary weight loss
• Blurry vision

Any person who has risk factors, such as excess weight, family history of diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, and high blood pressure, cholesterol, or triglycerides, is advised to get tested. There are several options for finding out if you have prediabetes.

How is prediabetes treated?

To manage or prevent diabetes, experts recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight, especially when the weight is stored around the abdomen, increases the risk of developing diabetes. Specialists recommend losing between 5 to 10% of excess weight, not regaining it, and keeping it off over the long term. This can also protect against other types of health problems.

Eat a healthy diet
The best options include:
• Fruits and vegetables
• Foods with fiber
• Healthy fats
• Herbal tea

Limit or eliminate from your diet:

• Added sugars (usually present in processed foods)
• Refined products, such as white flour and rice
• Sodas and commercial juices
• Red meat (especially if it is processed) and cold cuts

Exercise

Physical activity serves a dual purpose for people with prediabetes: it increases the body’s glucose consumption and stimulates the muscle fibers, encouraging the transport of sugar into cells. Try riding a bike, swimming, or even walking.

Avoid tobacco

Nicotine and certain chemical substances found in cigarettes damage cells, cause inflammation, affect the response to insulin, and elevate the risk of increased abdominal fat, all of which are risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

Take any necessary medications

If you have prediabetes and are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, your doctor may recommend certain medications, such as metformin (Glumetza). They may also prescribe medications to manage your cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Remember: If prediabetes is not treated, it can progress to type 2 diabetes, which puts you at higher risk of developing other health complications.