Everything you need to know about prediabetes.
Prediabetes means that blood sugar levels are higher than normal. The sugar level may not be so high that type 2 diabetes is diagnosed, but this pathology will definitely develop if the patient does not change his lifestyle.
In case of timely management of prediabetes, it is possible to prevent diabetes and, accordingly, improve the quality of life of the patient.
The exact cause of prediabetes is unknown, although genetics and family history significantly contribute to the development of the disease.
The risk factors for prediabetes are the same as those for type 2 diabetes.
In particular, these risk factors are:
- Overweight;
- Large waist;
- Red and processed meat, sugary and sweet drinks in the diet;
- Inactive lifestyle;
- Age (diagnosis can be made at any age, although the risk increases in people over 35);
- Type 2 diabetes in family history;
- Gestational diabetes;
- Polycystic ovary syndrome;
- Obstructive sleep apnea;
- Tobacco;
- High blood pressure;
- The level of good cholesterol in the body is reduced;
- Excess triglycerides.
If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes
This pathology affects the heart, blood vessels and kidneys (and even if you do not have advanced type 2 diabetes).
Prediabetes can be expected to cause a silent heart attack.
By itself, prediabetes may progress to type 2 diabetes, which significantly increases the risk of a number of conditions, such as:
- High blood pressure;
- High cholesterol;
- Heart disease;
- Stroke;
- Kidney disease;
- Nerve damage;
- Fatty liver disease;
- Loss of sight;
- Amputation.
A healthy lifestyle will protect you from prediabetes (even if diabetes has a family history and is fixed in genetics).
Prevention methods:
- Healthy diet;
- Physical activity;
- Losing excess weight;
- Cholesterol and blood pressure monitoring;
- Rejection of tobacco.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prediabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355278
