Overview
But I always regret the fact that I wasn’t aware of the symptoms of prediabetes, which if I had known then, my father would have been free from this illness.
I don’t want anyone else to feel the same way as I do.
What is prediabetes?
It is a condition when your blood glucose level is higher than normal but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Where normal blood sugar levels range between 70 and 99 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), blood sugar levels in the case of prediabetes sit between 100 and 125 mg/dL.
According to National Urban Diabetes Survey, the estimated prevalence of prediabetes is 14 percent in India.
Since it is an asymptomatic condition, meaning a condition which fails to show the noticeable symptoms associated with it, let’s keep in mind the risk factors for the same:
- Overweight
- Family history of diabetes
- Sedentary lifestyle
Symptoms of Prediabetes:
According to our in-house doctor, Dr. Sidharth Bawa, following are the symptoms of prediabetes:
- Fatigue and Tiredness
- Increased Thirst
- Frequent Urination
- Blurry vision
- Irritability
- Tingling or Numbness in your hands & legs
- Delayed Healing of wounds
- Hunger or loss of appetite
- Dark Pigmentation around neck and armpits
- Weight loss without trying
- Frequent Infections
Consult a doctor immediately if you witness any of the above-mentioned symptoms of prediabetes.
People experiencing symptoms of prediabetes are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes but the progression to the same can be stopped by making healthy changes such as exercising and switching to a prediabetic diet.
If you feel you are experiencing symptoms of prediabetes, make sure to adopt these changes:
- Regular check-ups
Get regular blood tests and general health check-ups. A regular blood test will diagnose if you are prediabetic or not.
- Regulate your diet
While consumption of sugar-concentrated items in our diet can lead to prediabetes, switching to a diet dominated by complex carbohydrates and high-density nutrients (including proteins and healthy fats) can help in reversing the same.
What is known as a prediabetic diet should be dominated by food items that are rich in fiber such as salad, papaya, green leafy vegetables, multigrain flour, etc.
Also, high glycemic index (high sugar content) food such as grapes, mango, banana, litchi, chikoo, potato, etc should be cut off from your prediabetic diet.
Your prediabetic diet should also comprise low-fat milk and milk products.
- Exercise, exercise, and exercise!
Exercising and staying physically active is a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms of prediabetes then making small changes such as taking stairs instead of elevators, increasing outdoor activities, doing yoga, walking to the nearest store instead of taking the car will be good enough to avoid it.
Doing light exercises and following a proper prediabetic diet can keep you ahead of this disease.
So get that blood sugar test done that you’ve been postponing for so long.
What to do next
1. Ask for a test (fasting sugar, HbA1c) if there is a family history, weight gain, high blood pressure or age over 45. 2. Lose weight gradually if advised; even a modest loss lowers risk. 3. Walk 30 minutes on most days. 4. Cut sugary drinks and sweets and choose whole grains, pulses and vegetables; see nutrition for diabetes after 60. 5. Sleep well and manage stress. 6. Recheck sugar yearly or as advised. 7. Do not ignore it: prediabetes can be reversed or delayed with change.
When to ask a professional
A doctor decides if medicines are needed. See diabetes at home after 60.
About our care services
With dietician visits under our Assure Plan, you can be certain about getting a proper prediabetic diet.
Equipment mentioned in this guide
Frequently asked questions
What is prediabetes?
Blood sugar above normal but below the diabetes range.
Does it cause symptoms?
Usually not, so testing matters.
Can it be reversed?
Often, with weight loss, activity and healthy eating.
How often should I be tested?
As the doctor advises, often yearly.
Sources and further reading
- International Diabetes Federation, Diabetes Atlas
- American Diabetes Association, Standards of Care in Diabetes
- Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India, clinical guidance
Tags: Prediabetes #Health #Symptomsprediabetesblood sugardiabetes preventionlifestyleConditions and devicesBlood glucose meter with stripsNon-slip exercise matHealth monitoring devicesGentle exercise at home
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Speak to your doctor before changing your exercise, diet or medicines.
