Prediabetes: Symptoms, Causes, Risks and More

Prediabetes gradually paves the path to diabetes, but due to its lack of discernible symptoms, it often goes unnoticed. Addressing the importance of prediabetes is essential since it offers a chance to avoid full-blown diabetes and its related consequences.

Read on to learn all about prediabetes today!

What is Prediabetes? 

Prediabetes is a stage before developing diabetes; it includes increased blood sugar levels with no signs or symptoms of diabetes. 

Here is a chart showing the blood sugar criteria for prediabetes. 

Nonetheless, these results fall short of the diagnostic thresholds for diabetic mellitus. As a result, many people are entirely unaware that they have prediabetes. 

The hitch is that prediabetes is not a one-way route to full-blown diabetes but a fork in the road. The decisions you make now will have an impact on your future health. Ignoring prediabetes raises your chances of getting early type 2 diabetes and it’s complications.

Causes 

Prediabetes, a precursor to type 2 diabetes, can be caused by multiple reasons, like:

• Family History: Genetics play a role; having a diabetic family member enhances vulnerability.
• Age: The chance of developing diabetes increases with age, significantly beyond 45.
• Obesity: Excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen, increases the risk of prediabetes.
• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): PCOS, a common condition in women, can cause hormonal abnormalities and insulin resistance.
• High Blood Pressure: Hypertension is typically associated with prediabetes due to overlapping risk factors.
• Poor Sleep: Sleep deprivation disrupts hormone balance, affecting blood sugar levels.
• Stress: Chronic stress might cause blood sugar levels to rise.
• Bad Diet: Excessive sugary, high-calorie, and processed food consumption is related to insulin resistance.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle reduces insulin sensitivity, making blood sugar regulation difficult.
• Gestational Diabetes: A history of gestational diabetes during pregnancy can raise the chance of developing prediabetes in the future.

Risks Factors 

Prediabetes, a precursor to type 2 diabetes, comes with several prominent risk factors:

• If you have a family history of diabetes, your risk increases.
• Age: Risk rises with age, especially after age 45.
• A poor diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats is a warning sign.
• Obesity and sudden or gradual weight gain can significantly increase the risk of prediabetes.
• Sedentary lifestyles increase the risk of prediabetes.
• Nicotine causes insulin resistance, which is a prediabetic risk factor.
• Chronic stress can have an impact on blood sugar levels.
• Gestational Diabetes: Having gestational diabetes during pregnancy can put you at risk.
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS, which is more common in women, is linked to insulin resistance and prediabetes.
• Hypertension is linked to prediabetes.
• High cholesterol levels can be a risk factor.
• Sleep apnea, insomnia, and poor sleep quality can both contribute to sleep problems. 
• Ethnic groups with a higher risk of prediabetes include African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian Americans.
• Medical conditions such as polycystic kidney disease and fatty liver disease are linked to prediabetes.

Symptoms 

Prediabetes is a vital phase that often goes undetected with no symptoms! You need to take it as a warning sign for future type 2 diabetes. So monitor your blood sugar levels frequently. 

Here are a few possible warning signs:

• Increased Thirst and Hunger: Unusual hunger and thirst may develop, as is frequent urination.
• Weight Changes: Sudden weight loss or gain could signal an insulin problem.
• Unexplained Fatigue: Feeling weary despite a full night’s sleep can be an early warning sign.
• Slow Healing of Wounds: Poor blood sugar control can cause wounds to heal slowly.
• Tingling or numbness: This is caused by a nerve injury, particularly in the hands and feet.
• Darkened Skin: A disorder known as acanthosis nigricans can result in dark areas of skin. It can be seen around the nape of the neck.

Prediabetes often has subtle signs and symptoms, and we all tend to take it lightly.

Regular checkups for those with fluctuating blood sugar levels are perhaps the best way to monitor prediabetes. Do not disregard any warning indications and seek medical attention for proper examination and guidance.

Complications 

Prediabetes, while frequently asymptomatic, eventually will lead to diabetes if not checked. People with prediabetes are more likely to develop heart issues, strokes, blood pressure fluctuations, and other complications. 

Up to 70% more people with prediabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes, increasing their risk of nerve damage, kidney issues, and vision issues.

Prediabetes is a ticking time bomb; however, the good news is that lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet and regular exercise can help to defuse it. You can avoid it, though, by taking proactive measures.

Prevention 

The best method for preventing prediabetes is early diagnosis! Check and track your blood sugar levels periodically, and look out for risk factors. If you happen to notice any of the symptoms consistently, avail yourself of treatment.

Treatment

It is preferable to refer to the treatment of prediabetes as prevention. Here’s what you can do:

1. Lifestyle Changes

• Control your weight

Start by keeping your weight under control. Reduce your weight—even slight drops in calories help. Healthy eating, portion control, and exercise are crucial.

Strive to do yoga, aerobics, and brisk walks. Reduce your sugar intake while increasing your consumption of foods high in fibre, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. 

• Diet

You can become a member of a diabetic management programme that will give you access to health coaches and dieticians. Make the switch to a balanced, low-sugar, high-fibre diet.

• Exercise

Every week, aim for 5-6 days of moderate exercise. Keep yourself active and indulge in physical activities. Next time you have to reach the second floor, take the stairs instead of the lift. 

• Check Your Blood Sugar Levels Regularly.

You can avail of CGM devices (continous glucose monitoring) to help you track changes in blood sugar levels. Apart from that, periodically visit your physician to help you stay in control of your diabetes treatment and detect any complications at an early stage.

• Stress Management

Major diseases of the body like diabetes, high blood pressure, and gut issues are catalysed by stress. Relax and try techniques that keep you mentally fresh.

This may include mindfulness meditation, yoga, or simply socialising with friends and family after work. Rewinding after work is a great way to de-stress the body and the mind.

2. Quit Habits

It is important to stop smoking and drink in moderation because both have an effect on insulin hormone efficacy and action in the body.

3. Learn About Prediabetes

Make use of healthcare providers, support groups, diabetes coaches, dieticians, or authentic online diabetes programmes. 

FitterTake

For all of you with any of the risk factors for developing diabetes, remember that managing prediabetes effectively can stop or delay the onset of diabetes. Make the first move today!

Consider consulting our expert diabetologists and dieticians onboard Fitterfly’s Diabetes Care Program to know how to identify nad control prediabetes at the earliest. You can also directly  sign up for our programme if you wish to know more. 

To know if you can reverse your prediabetes, try our Fitterfly Diabetes Risk Calculator.

You can also, speak to one of our counselors by just giving us a missed call at 08069450746, and we will definitely get back to you.

Let us work together to make the path to reversing prediabetes more healthy and enjoyable.