When a person’s blood sugar level is higher than the normal level but remarkably lower than to be diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, this situation is calls prediabetes or borderline diabetes. Generally, doctors call it as awake up call that the patient is on the path to diabetes. According to American Diabetes Association has estimated that almost 10 to 20 percent of the prediabetes patients tend to develop type-2 diabetes in the upcoming 5 years. but still, it is not too late to get the things back to the right place.
Generally, our body generates insulin, a hormone that controls our blood sugar. In the prebiabetic stage, this system starts getting slower and we are unable to get enough insulin after eating. Along with type-2 diabetes, prediabetes also increases the chances of heart diseases if the actions for lowering its risk are not taken timely.
There are three simple blood tests to diagnose prediabetes and your doctor would suggest you one of them:
Fasting plasma glucose test is made while you have not eaten from 8 hours before the test. The results are:
Oral glucose tolerance test takes place after fasting glucose test. Here, you are to drink a sugar solution and another test takes place after two hours. The results are
Haemoglobin test. This test is conducted to measure the average blood sugar level for the recent 2-3 month. Doctors generally, suggest it to diagnose diabetes or prediabetes. And if you are already diabetic, it enables to track your treatment. The results are:
If you are diagnosed with prediabetes, with making some changes in lifestyle, it is quite possible to overcome prediabetes and prevent the diabetes. The globally accepted Diabetes Prevention Program that is based over an extensive research suggest to focus the following issues to attain a diabetes free life:
Weight Control: It is a universal fact that being overweight attracts diseases, diabetes is also not an exemption. Pay attention as losing even 5% to 10% of your body weight can make a big difference.
Exercise: Not very exhausting, but a moderate 30 minutes daily exercise can be very beneficial in prevention and managing diabetes. You can consider cycling, swimming, brisk walking, aerobics or anything as per your choice. But, if you are not active these days, it’s better to check with your doctor first.
Nutrition: While being diagnosed with prediabetes, you are suggested to change your food habits. Go for meals that mix low-fat protein, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit calories, serving sizes, sugar, and starchy carbs. Favour fibres-rich foods, which help you feel full and not eat too much.