8 Risk Factors for Prediabetes

Understanding Prediabetes: Risks, Symptoms, and Prevention Tips

Introduction to Prediabetes

Prediabetes, a precursor to type 2 diabetes, is a condition that occurs when your blood sugar levels are higher than typical levels. It’s a growing concern, with around 86 million Americans currently living with it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 9 out of 10 people with prediabetes are unaware of their condition. The condition increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Common Risk Factors for Prediabetes

Understanding the risk factors for prediabetes can help you determine if you are at risk. Here are eight common risk factors:

1. BMIt in the overweight category: If your body mass index (BMI) is above 25, you are at a higher risk.
2. Age: Being 45 years of age or older increases your risk.
3. Family history: Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes can increase your risk.
4. Physical activity: Being physically inactive can significantly increase your risk.
5. Gestational diabetes: Experiencing diabetes during pregnancy can put you at risk.
6. PCOS: This condition is linked to insulin resistance and increases the risk of prediabetes.
7. Ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups, including African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, Pacific Islanders, and Asian Americans, are at higher risk.
8. Large babies: Giving birth to a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds can also be a risk factor.

If you have one or more of these risk factors, it’s crucial to discuss them with your doctor and consider getting tested for prediabetes.

What is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes, also known as "impaired fasting glucose" or "glucose intolerance," occurs when blood sugar levels are slightly higher than normal. It is a precursor to type 2 diabetes. The condition can develop when your body does not produce enough insulin or does not respond to the insulin produced by your pancreas, leading to insulin resistance. Having prediabetes increases the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other complications.

To be diagnosed with prediabetes, your fasting blood sugar levels must be between 100 and 125 mg/dl (milligrams/deciliter). Additionally, a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level between 5.7% and 6.4% is indicative of prediabetes.

Symptoms of Prediabetes

Prediabetes is often considered a "silent" disease because it typically has no symptoms. You might feel completely normal while the condition is progressing. Regular physical exams and blood tests can help you identify prediabetes.

4 Ways to Lower Your Risk of Prediabetes

If you’ve been diagnosed with prediabetes, making lifestyle changes can help prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes:

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing even a modest amount of weight can reduce your risk. Aim for 1 to 2 pounds per week and remember that healthy and lasting weight loss is attainable.

2. Move More: Engage in regular physical activity, such as dancing, swimming, or running, for at least 30 minutes, five times a week. Remember that every bit of movement helps.

3. Eat a Balanced Diet: The Mediterranean diet, rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and fish, has been linked to a lower risk of diabetes. Adopting this diet can help reduce your risk significantly.

4. Invest in a Glucose Monitor: Checking your blood sugar levels at home can help you monitor your condition and make necessary adjustments to your diet and lifestyle.

The Bottom Line

Lifestyle modifications are the most effective way to prevent prediabetes from progressing to type 2 diabetes. While medications like metformin can reduce the risk of diabetes, the best approach is always a combination of healthy habits and working closely with your healthcare provider.

Call-to-Action

Don’t let prediabetes go undiagnosed. Schedule your physical exam today and ask your doctor to check your blood sugar levels. Start making healthier choices and considerably reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.