What is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes occurs when your blood glucose levels are somewhat high but not high enough to be diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. If your doctor tells you that you are pre-diabetic, he is telling you that you are at a higher risk of eventually developing Type 2 diabetes. But this can be averted if you change your eating habits and start on an exercise program that includes losing weight.

Prediabetes occurs when you have a fasting plasma blood glucose level between 100 to 125 mg/dl. This means that you have "impaired glucose tolerance". This is a warning for you to get serious about making some lifestyle changes before you do get a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus is when your body has problems with the insulin which is needed to move glucose to the cells of your body. Glucose is the cells substance used for energy and growth. Those with Type 2 diabetes have plenty of insulin but there cells are resistant to the insulin so glucose builds up in your blood system. Type-1 diabetes is when your body does not produce enough or any insulin. Those with Type 1 diabetes need to be on injections of insulin for the rest of their lives.

Type-2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. Those who have type 2 diabetes are in risk of developing a number of complications which can eventually end up with heart disease or kidney problems. These and other complications can seriously diminish your quality of life or even end your life prematurely.

If you are over the age of 45 or under the age of 45 and are overweight or obese, you should have your doctor order the tests to determine your blood glucose level. This should especially be done if you have any of the following risk factors:

Risk factors

• Family history of diabetes
• Get little or no physical activity
• Belong to any of the following ethnic groups: Asian American, African-American, Hispanic American, Native American
• Have previously had gestational diabetes
• Given birth to a child 9 lbs or over
• Have elevated blood pressure
• Have elevated cholesterol level
• Have history of vascular disease
• Have polycystic ovary syndrome

But you can stop this from happening if you manage the following items on a regular basis:

Management of Prediabetes

• Watch your diet
• Watch your weight
• Develop a regular exercise program
• Don't use a lot of salt in your diet
• Don't drink carbonated beverages
• Don't smoke

A good diet for anyone who has diabetes or prediabetes is one which has small amounts of fats or carbohydrates, rich in fibers and low in proteins. You should also have foods which are full of vitamins and minerals as well as being full of antioxidants and other substances which are good for the immune system.

You should exercise 3-4 days each week for at least 30 minutes each session. Develop a program which revolves around something that you enjoy doing as you will be more apt to continue your program.

And more than anything - Be positive. Being diagnosed with prediabetes doesn't mean that your life is over. With a positive attitude and the above listed management plan, you should not have anything to worry excessively about.

Learn More about Prediabetes