How Long Does it Take to Reverse Prediabetes?

With an increasing number of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, most of the population is aware of the condition. But did you know that most people go through a more silent stage before diabetes, where their blood sugar levels begin to rise?
This stage is called prediabetes. While diabetes can be effectively managed and sent into remission, prediabetes can be reversed when treated in time.
Let’s learn more about how long it takes to reverse prediabetes in this blog!
Understanding the Basics of Prediabetes
Prediabetes is a health condition in which the blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Over 80% of people with prediabetes are unaware they have the condition. Prediabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Here’s what prediabetes looks like on routine blood sugar tests:
Test | Parameter |
HbA1C | Between 5.7% to 6.4% |
Fasting blood sugar | 100-125 mg/dL |
Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) | 140-199 mg/dL |
Can We Reverse Prediabetes?
Prediabetes is a warning sign before type 2 diabetes sets in. While it may ring alarm bells in your mind, understand that you still have not developed type 2 diabetes.
So, does that mean prediabetes can be reversed? Yes! If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes, it can be reversed under expert guidance and management.
According to the CDC and its ongoing research, weight loss plays an important role in reversing prediabetes and preventing its progress to type 2 diabetes. Losing even 5% to 7% of your body weight can prevent the advancement of prediabetes to type 2 diabetes.
How prediabetes can be reversed in an individual depends upon several factors, such as your diet, exercise routine, and overall body physiology.
How Long Does it Take to Reverse Prediabetes?
If diagnosed with prediabetes, you are surely among the fortunate ones who have the power to reverse their condition and prevent its progress to type 2 diabetes.
Expert-led and guided lifestyle changes have shown to be extremely effective in reversing prediabetes. You must work closely with your team, comprising a diabetologist, a nutritionist, and fitness and success coaches.
When on a prediabetes reversal plan, the first thing that comes to mind is– How long does it take to reverse prediabetes? Prediabetes reversal depends upon several factors, primarily the time one takes to lose weight and exercise routine.
Therefore, the time taken to achieve prediabetes reversal will vary for everyone. While some people may take a couple of months, others may take slightly longer.
Here are a few ways you can achieve reversal of prediabetes. If you wish to reverse prediabetes quickly, you must follow these interventions earlier (as soon as possible after diagnosis).
1. Dietary changes
a. Avoid foods with added sugars
b. Swap sugar-sweetened beverages for water
c. Eliminate or cut back on processed and preserved foods
d. Consume a balanced diet, preferably with lower carbohydrate content
e. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, preferably including those with low glycemic indices
f. Reduce your overall caloric intake
g. Increase your protein intake
h. Limit your alcohol intake
Follow the diet plan given by your nutritionist at all times
2. Exercise Routine
a. Get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise every day or 150 minutes a week.
b. Follow the exercise regime provided by your fitness coach
c. A few recommended exercises include brisk walking, jogging, swimming, yoga and cycling
3. Sleep Management
Try and get a minimum of 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. Not getting a good night’s sleep is strongly associated with developing insulin resistance, prediabetes and progressing to type 2 diabetes. If you are unable to get a good night’s sleep, consult your doctor.
4. Stress Management
An important aspect of prediabetes and diabetes treatment is stress management. You can manage your stress levels with deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness, yoga, and journaling. Feel free to seek help and support from your diabetes care team, family, friends, or a support group.
Besides these lifestyle changes, a few other things to remember while trying to reverse your prediabetes are:
a. Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor
b. Monitor your blood sugar levels at home using a glucometer
c. Continue your management of any other health conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol, etc., that you may have
Remember: Maintaining a healthy body weight at all times is crucial for prediabetes reversal.
Consult with your diabetes care team if you have any queries regarding your prediabetes reversal.
Can Anyone’s Prediabetes Be Reversed?
While prediabetes reversal seems like the best-case scenario for all diagnosed with the condition, it may not be possible in every individual. In people with additional insulin deficiency, prediabetes reversal may not be possible.
Fitterfly's Diabetes Prime Program
clinical term for Diabetes Reversal
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Type 2 diabetes or diabetes mellitus is a chronic medical condition that takes a long time to develop. However, the good news is that it can be prevented and reversed when diagnosed early, like the prediabetes stage.
Weight loss is the primary goal of reversing prediabetes, and this can be brought about by lifestyle modifications, regular exercise routine, sleep and stress management. Blood glucose monitoring, taking medications and following up with your doctor regularly are also essential for reversing prediabetes and maintaining optimum blood glucose levels.
If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes and wish to reverse it, sign up for our program to know more! Fitterfly’s Diabetes Care Program has been curated by expert diabetologists, nutritionists, and fitness and success coaches to help you manage your blood sugar levels within the normal range.
Wondering how long does it take to reverse prediabetes? Ask your diabetes care team at Fitterfly today!
To speak with us, just give us a missed call at 08069450746, and we will get back to you.
**Diabetes Remission is the clinical term for Diabetes Reversal.
This blog provides general information for educational and informational purposes only and shouldn't be seen as professional advice.