What is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes occurs when your body begins to struggle with insulin regulation, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Without intervention, prediabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health complications.
Symptoms to Watch For
While prediabetes often develops silently, certain symptoms can signal its presence:
- Increased Thirst
Persistent thirst, especially if accompanied by frequent urination, may indicate your body’s attempt to flush out excess sugar. - Frequent Urination
A higher blood sugar level leads to increased urination as the kidneys work harder to remove glucose. - Unexplained Fatigue
Feeling tired even after rest? High blood sugar levels can interfere with your body’s ability to convert food into energy. - Blurred Vision
Sudden changes in blood sugar levels can affect your eyes, leading to temporary blurred vision. - Slow Healing of Wounds
Elevated blood sugar can impair the body’s healing process, causing minor cuts or bruises to heal slowly. - Darkened Skin Patches
Acanthosis nigricans, characterized by dark, velvety patches of skin, typically on the neck, armpits, or groin, can be a visible sign of insulin resistance. - Unexplained Weight Gain or Loss
Fluctuations in weight without a clear cause might indicate blood sugar irregularities.
Are You at Risk?
The following variables raise the risk of prediabetes:
- Family history: Type 2 diabetes affects a close relative.
- Age: The risk is higher for those over 45.
- Lifestyle: Sedentary habits and a high-calorie diet.
- Weight: Being overweight or obese.
- Other conditions: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
What to Do If You Notice Symptoms
If you suspect you have prediabetes, don’t panic. With the correct lifestyle adjustments, this condition can be reversed:
- Visit Your Doctor: A simple blood test can confirm whether your blood sugar levels are in the prediabetic range.
- Adopt a Healthy Diet: Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables while cutting down on processed foods and sugary drinks.
- Stay Active: Regular exercise helps your body use insulin more efficiently. Every week, attempt to get in at least a hundred and fifty mins of mild workout.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing even 5–10% of your body weight can significantly lower your risk.
