An estimated one out of every three American adults has prediabetes, and nearly 80% of cases are undiagnosed (CDC 2022). While it sometimes can feel like there’s nothing that can be done to prevent diabetes from developing, implementing certain lifestyle modifications and changes alongside early intervention strategies is key for managing the risks associated with prediabetes and reducing its potential to further develop into greater health concerns, such as diabetes.
What is Prediabetes & how it increases your risk of Diabetes
Prediabetes is a condition in which your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as Diabetes. It’s important not to ignore this stage, as research has shown that prediabetes increases your risk of developing full-blown Diabetes. The good news is that prediabetes can often be reversed with lifestyle changes such as improving your diet, increasing physical activity, and losing excess weight. It’s important to stay aware of prediabetes as early intervention can prevent the progression to Diabetes. Talk to your healthcare provider and make the changes necessary to minimize your risk of developing the disease.
Risk Factors for Prediabetes & Who Is at Risk
There are several risk factors for prediabetes, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a family history of diabetes. Additionally, certain ethnic groups, such as African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans, are at a higher risk for prediabetes. However, it’s important to note that anyone can develop prediabetes, regardless of their age, ethnicity, or gender. While genetic factors like family history are contributing risk factors, you can’t change your genes, but you can influence how those genes are expressed through your lifestyle behaviors and choices. That’s why it’s crucial to have regular check-ups and to maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent or manage this condition.
The Benefits of Early Detection and Prevention for Prediabetes
While it may not seem like a serious condition, untreated prediabetes can lead to the development of diabetes and other health complications. Early detection and prevention are crucial in managing this condition. By making lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, many people with prediabetes are able to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. Daily habits can make a big impact on our health, like getting enough physical activity and quality sleep. Did you know that regular physical activity, like walking, can delay the onset of diabetes and even lower blood sugar levels back to the normal range? Sleep is also a crucial factor in how our bodies manage blood sugar. Adults in the US should aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Quality is just as important as quantity, so it’s important to prioritize good sleep hygiene. If you’re snoring or waking up frequently throughout the night, these disturbances can have a negative effect on your glucose control. By focusing on improving your sleep, you can make a profound impact on your long-term glucose control.
Additionally, early detection available through regular blood tests, check-ups, and remote patient monitoring, allows for medical intervention in the early stages before complications arise. As with many health conditions, prevention and early detection are key, and taking a proactive approach to managing prediabetes can lead to a happier, healthier life.
How to Detect and Monitor Prediabetes
Prediabetes often goes undetected, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can identify and monitor it. It’s important to get tested regularly, especially if you have risk factors such as being overweight or having a family history of diabetes. Your doctor can perform a simple blood test that measures your blood sugar levels. If your levels are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetic range, you may have prediabetes. Not all healthcare providers take immediate action when test results come back in the prediabetic range. That’s why it’s crucial to be proactive and take control of your own health.
Monitoring your diet and exercise habits can also help you prevent prediabetes from progressing to type 2 diabetes. By knowing your ranges and being your own best advocate, you can ensure that you’re receiving the best possible care and taking steps to prevent the onset of diabetes.
Tips on Preventing Diabetes Through Diet and Exercise
Preventing diabetes may seem daunting, but implementing simple changes to your diet and exercise routine can make a significant impact on your overall health. Consuming a balanced diet filled with nutrient-rich foods, such as lean proteins, whole grains, and colorful fruits and vegetables, can help regulate blood sugar levels and stave off insulin resistance. Additionally, incorporating moderate physical activity into your daily routine, such as walking or biking, can improve insulin sensitivity and aid in weight management. Strength training is an important component of overall health and managing blood sugar levels. By incorporating strength training into your routine, you can build muscle mass, which offers a range of benefits. When glucose isn’t needed for immediate energy, it gets stored in either the liver or in muscle tissue. While the liver can only store a finite amount of glycogen (the stored form of glucose), muscle mass offers virtually unlimited storage potential. Additionally, strength training helps existing muscle tissue become more receptive to glucose and better able to store it as glycogen. With regular strength training, you can optimize your body’s storage and management of glucose for better overall health. It’s important to remember that prevention is key, and small changes to your lifestyle can have a profound impact on your well-being. By taking a proactive approach and prioritizing your health, you can significantly decrease your risk of developing the disease.
Making Preventative Care Standard in the Healthcare System
As we continue to navigate the complexities of healthcare, preventative care is essential to overall health and well-being. It’s time to make preventative care a standard in the healthcare system. From routine physical exams and screenings to immunizations and lifestyle counseling, preventative care can identify and address potential health concerns before they become major issues. By prioritizing preventative care, healthcare providers can help patients stay healthy and avoid costly medical interventions down the road.
Regularly monitoring individuals who are more likely to develop both conditions can help identify those at risk early on and allow preventative care strategies to be implemented before serious health problems arise. When used in conjunction with lifestyle changes, such as improved diet, increased physical activity, better stress management, and prioritized sleep habits, preventive measures can go a long way towards decreasing the prevalence of diabetes in high-risk populations. Increased awareness of prediabetes and its associated risks among healthcare providers is needed so that the importance of early interventions for prevention can be prioritized.
Want to learn more? check out Episode 3 of In Biolog, with our guest, dietitian Amy L’Horset, to learn more about diabetes and prediabetes management.