1. What is pre-diabetes?

Pre-diabetes is a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Before people develop type 2 diabetes, they almost always have pre-diabetes.

2. How do I tell if I have pre-diabetes?

Your doctor can test for pre-diabetes. Some tests include; the fasting plasma glucose test and the oral glucose tolerance test. Blood glucose levels measured after these tests determine whether you have a normal metabolism, or whether you have pre-diabetes or diabetes. Both tests require fasting overnight.

On an ongoing basis, testing blood glucose levels can be done with a blood glucose testing device. Once you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, regular blood glucose testing will indicate whether your blood glucose levels are returning to normal or you are developing type 2 diabetes.

3. How do I stop pre-diabetes developing into diabetes?

People with pre-diabetes can prevent developing type 2 diabetes by making changes to their diet and increasing their level of physical activity. It is possible to have blood glucose levels return to normal. However, if a pre-diabetic person doesn’t make changes to their diet or activity levels, then they will go on to develop type 2 diabetes.

A study by The American Diabetes Association called the Diabetes Prevention Program showed that some medications may delay the development of diabetes, but that changes to diet and an increase in exercise was more effective. The study showed just 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise and a 5-10% reduction in body weight, resulted in a 58% reduction in developing diabetes. There are many online resources on weight loss and exercise for preventing diabetes, including the American Diabetes Association website.

4. Should I be tested for pre-diabetes?

The American Diabetes Association recommends you should be tested for pre-diabetes every year, if you are overweight and over 45 years of age. If your weight is normal and you’re over age 45, you should have a test every 3 years. For younger adults who are overweight, your doctor may test you if have other risk factors for pre-diabetes.

The key risk factors for pre-diabetes include high blood pressure, low HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides, a family history of diabetes, a history of gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds, or belonging to an ethnic or minority group at high risk for type 2 diabetes.

5. Could I have pre-diabetes and not know?

Yes! People with pre-diabetes don’t always have any symptoms. The American Diabetes Association estimates there are 54 million people in the United States who have pre-diabetes. Some do not have any symptoms at all, but are on their way to developing type 2 diabetes. Others may have symptoms that develop gradually so they may not really notice. Some symptoms may be unusual thirst, a frequent desire to urinate, blurred vision, and an overwhelming tiredness.

6. Why is pre-diabetes so bad?

Pre-diabetic blood glucose levels put you at a higher risk for heart disease, stroke and death than those with normal blood glucose levels. In fact, more than 65% of people with type 2 diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. In addition, diabetes can lead to blindness, limb loss, severe heart disease and early death.

A recent Australian study showed that people with pre-diabetes, are more than twice as likely to die of cardiovascular disease after five years. Researchers at the International Diabetes Institute in Melbourne wrote, “The five-year risk of cardiac mortality was 2.6 times higher among people who had diabetes and was 2.5 times higher in those with impaired fasting glucose.” Lead author Elizabeth Barr said, “This study confirms the clinical importance of pre-diabetes, and suggests the need to target glucose abnormalities with lifestyle interventions.”

About Kellie

Kellie is 37 years old and together with her brother Steve makes up the My Health Software team.

She helps on the websites and gathering news for the programs. Kellie worked in the medical industry prior to having her two children (8 and 6) and has a strong interest in self awareness and management of health conditions.