If your fasting plasma glucose (sugar) level is higher than normal, but not yet in the Diabetes range, then you’re a prediabetic.
When our blood glucose level rises after meals, our pancreas secrete insulin which then travels through our bloodstream to cells where the extra glucose is used to produce energy. In people with prediabetes, their bodies either stop producing enough insulin after meals or don’t respond to insulin properly. High blood glucose levels could also be a direct consequence of overproduction of glucose by the liver.
Is Prediabetes same as Borderline Diabetes?
Using the term ‘Borderline Diabetes’ is irrelevant because there is a reasonably clear understanding now of the states of - Prediabetic, Diabetic, or a Non-Diabetic. Using such a vague term seems misleading and hence, can be avoided.
Why is Prediabetes a cause for concern?
Prediabetes puts you at a higher risk of developing Type II Diabetes in the future which makes you vulnerable to -
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney Diseases
- Amputations
- Blindness
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider is the best person to decide which tests you should undergo. Some of the most common methods of testing for Prediabetes are:
1. Fasting Blood Glucose Test: A blood glucose test is conducted after you fast for at least 8 hours. Early morning is the best time for this test. A fasting blood glucose level between 100 mg/dl and 125 mg/dl indicates prediabetes which is also known as impaired fasting glucose (IFG).
2. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: After the fasting glucose test, you are given a sugary solution to drink. After two hours, another blood glucose test is done to determine your blood glucose levels. If your blood glucose is between 140 mg/dl and 199 mg/dl as determined by this test, you’re a prediabetic.
Prevention
According to a large research study called the Diabetes Prevention Program, making some changes to your lifestyle can help prevent or delay your chances of Type II Diabetes. The key changes that you need to make to your lifestyle are –
- Exercise: 30 to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity is a requisite for managing Diabetes. Try brisk walking, weight training or aerobic exercises that make your heart rate go up.
- Eat Healthy: Keep your sugar and carb intake in check. Focus on vegetables, limited quantity of specific fruits, and whole grains. Including fiber-rich food items in your diet will benefit you greatly as they leave you feeling full for a longer period.
- Weight Control: Managing your weight can lead to lesser chances of you developing Diabetes Type II. This study proved that 30 minutes of physical activity a day along with a 5 to 10% decrease in total body weight prevented the progression to Diabetes by 58%.
