Some 84 million Americans have what's known as prediabetes, a medical condition where your blood sugar is too high but not at the level of Type 2 diabetes. While a diagnosis can be scary, it's important to take prediabetes for what it is—a warning sign that you need to make lifestyle changes to positively impact your health.
What Is Prediabetes?
When your blood glucose levels are higher than normal but are not quite at the level where diabetes is diagnosed, then you have prediabetes. Your body is either not making or using the hormone insulin properly, which is causing too much glucose to build up in the blood. This can lead to dangerous consequences, which is why it’s important for you to take steps to improve your health.
Early Warning Signs of Prediabetes
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Irritability
- Nausea
Can Prediabetes Go Away?
Yes! You can make lifestyle changes that will improve your overall health and lower your blood sugar. When your blood sugar lowers to a normal range, you will no longer have prediabetes and your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes decreases.
Lifestyle Habits to Reverse Prediabetes
- Lose 5 to 7% of your body weight.
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
- Fill half your plate at meals with fruits and veggies.
- Drink water rather than calorie-filled beverages.
- Limit your intake of added sugars and saturated fat.
Think you may be at risk of diabetes? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway today for a medical evaluation.
