One in three Americans have prediabetes. Here's what prediabetes is, what to look out for, and what a prediabetes diagnosis means regarding type 2 diabetes.
The statistics are staggering.
One in three Americans have prediabetes. And 80% of them are unaware of it. But what is prediabetes? What should we be looking out for? Does a prediabetes diagnosis automatically mean diabetes comes next? Let’s find out.
Prediabetes Defined
Prediabetes means that a person’s fasting glucose levels are elevated. When they get up in the morning (or haven’t eaten for eight hours) their glucose levels are measured at somewhere between 100 – 125 mg/dL (5.56 – 6.94 mmol/L).
These glucose levels are measured using a fasting glucose test. This test includes taking one or more blood draws in a lab after not eating anything for at least eight hours and then measuring the blood glucose level in the sample.
Having elevated glucose levels indicates that something has gone wrong with how the body processes the energy (in the form of glucose) coming from food as it is being digested. The glucose is not getting into the body’s cells efficiently and so it stays in the bloodstream, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels.
Why Be Concerned About Elevated Glucose Levels?
Having chronically high glucose levels at prediabetic levels provides an early indication that a person’s health is at risk. Prediabetes, if left unaddressed can develop into type 2 diabetes. Having type 2 diabetes in turn increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and stroke. These are all serious health conditions that can lead to disability and early death.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Prediabetes?
Early on, prediabetes might not produce any signs or symptoms. It can only be diagnosed by using a blood glucose test.
But there are several risk factors that make a person more likely to develop prediabetes. These risk factors are:
- Being overweight, especially if the extra weight is concentrated around the belly
- Being 45 years old or older
- Having a family history of type 2 diabetes
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Having a history of gestational diabetes
- Having PCOS
- Being African American, Latino, Indigenous, Pacific Islander, or a member of some Asian groups
When a person has these risk factors it’s advisable to talk with their healthcare provider about getting screened regularly for prediabetes.
How to Respond to Prediabetes?
Being told you have prediabetes doesn’t automatically mean a diabetes diagnosis will follow. Think about prediabetes as a wake-up call for your health. It gives you reason to improve your health through lifestyle changes and delay (maybe even avoid) developing type 2 diabetes.
The lifestyle changes called for are aimed at healthier eating habits, regular exercise, and better stress management. Losing weight (as little as 5% to 7% of total body weight) can have a positive effect. Working up to 150 mins/week of brisk activity (or 30 mins/day 5 days/week) can improve muscle tone, circulation, and reduce insulin resistance. Better stress management can reduce the amount of cortisol in the body, which also plays a role in driving glucose levels up.
While being told you have prediabetes can be upsetting, know that it doesn’t make type 2 diabetes inevitable. Speak with your healthcare provider about what you can do. And reach out for support to help you adopt the everyday habits that will lead to a healthier you.
About Corinna Santa Ana:
Corinna Santa Ana is a content writer and diabetes advocate. Her aim is to help people make better informed decisions about their health and healthcare. As a Latina diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2009, she understands first-hand the many challenges life with diabetes presents. You can find her thoughts and musings about life with T2D on Twitter @type2musings.