Prediabetes, often called the “yellow light” or “warning zone” for type 2 diabetes, affects millions of people worldwide, yet many are unaware they have it. This condition, where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes, serves as a crucial caution flag for your health. Left unchecked, prediabetes can progress to full-blown type 2 diabetes, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health complications. However, there’s good news: Prediabetes is reversible. With early detection and lifestyle changes, you can turn the tide on your health trajectory.
Tryon Medical Partners internal medicine specialist PA-C Lunde explains what prediabetes is, how to recognize it, and most importantly, the steps you can take to regain control of your blood sugar and overall well-being.
What is prediabetes?
Prediabetes is a condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes. It serves as an early warning sign, indicating an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Essentially, prediabetes is the first step toward diabetes, signaling that your body is no longer processing sugar as efficiently as it should.
“The good news is that prediabetes is often reversible,” PA-C Lunde says. “If caught early, lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the likelihood of progressing to full-blown diabetes. This makes early detection and intervention crucial for long-term health.”
How are prediabetes and diabetes different?
Understanding the difference between prediabetes and diabetes is important for recognizing the urgency of early intervention. While prediabetes is a precursor condition, diabetes comes with more serious complications and often requires more intensive treatments.
There are two main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes: This is an autoimmune condition where the body doesn’t produce insulin, the hormone responsible for helping blood sugar enter cells. Type 1 diabetes does not have a prediabetes stage.
- Type 2 Diabetes: This form accounts for about 90% of diabetes cases and is often lifestyle-related. It develops when the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to the insulin it does produce.
Who is at risk for prediabetes? What might a “prediabetes diet” look like?
Several factors can increase your risk of developing prediabetes:
- Being overweight or obese
- Family history of diabetes
- History of gestational diabetes
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
Prevention and management of prediabetes focus on lifestyle modifications, primarily through healthy movement and diet. Here are some key strategies:
- Increase physical activity: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week. The type of exercise isn’t as important as finding something you enjoy and will stick with consistently.
- Eating for prediabetes: This is patient-specific and may involve:
- Portion control
- Eating out less
- Mindful snacking
- Reducing starchy foods (potatoes, grains) and sugary items (juice, soda, sweets)
“For every person, prevention will look very different,” PA-C Lunda notes. “It’s crucial to work with your healthcare clinician to develop a personalized plan that addresses your specific needs and challenges.”
What are prediabetes symptoms? When is it time to see the doctor?
One of the challenges with prediabetes is that it often doesn’t present noticeable symptoms. This is why regular check-ups and preventive care are so important. Don’t wait until you feel unwell to see a doctor, as by then, the condition may have progressed to diabetes.
Key indicators of prediabetes include:
- Fasting blood sugar levels between 100-125 mg/dL (prediabetes range)
- Hemoglobin A1C levels between 5.7-6.4% (indicating average blood sugar over the past three months)
It’s recommended to have an annual physical with fasting labs to catch any issues early. If prediabetes is detected, your healthcare provider can guide you on necessary lifestyle changes and monitor your progress.
“Remember, early detection and intervention are key,” PA-C Lunde says. “Don’t let fear of the unknown prevent you from seeking medical advice. Your healthcare team is there to support you in making manageable, sustainable changes to improve your health. While it may take time to see results, small, consistent changes can make a significant difference in preventing the progression to type 2 diabetes.”
If you’re ready to get started with prevention, use MedChat or call Tryon Medical Partners to discuss strategies and options today.