Prediabetes occurs when you have higher-than-normal blood glucose levels, but not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes.
This is determined through a fasting blood glucose test:
High Blood Glucose Symptoms
You may notice you feel differently when your blood glucose is high. It is suggested to test your glucose if are experiencing:
Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Increased hunger
Unintended weight loss
Fatigue/tiredness
Blurred or changes in your vision
Slow-healing cuts, scrapes or injuries
Frequent infections
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Areas of darkened skin, usually in the armpits and on the neck
Abnormal cholesterol levels
Preventing Prediabetes And Reducing Risk
Living a healthy lifestyle can prevent prediabetes and reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. There are ways to manage and prevent further development. These health behaviors can reduce your risk and improve your quality of life:
Eat colorful, balanced meals
Aim to include all five food groups in each meal: vegetables, protein, fruits, dairy and grains.
Stay active
Move your body throughout the day and incorporate exercise into your weekly routine.
Lose excess weight
Higher fat mass can increase your risk for developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Losing 1-2 pounds per week is considered a healthy rate of weight loss.
Keep blood pressure and cholesterol in range
Speak with your health care provider about your lab results and goals.
Quit tobacco and nicotine
Quitting immediately benefits your body. Tobacco and nicotine use, especially smoking, can lead to a variety of negative health conditions.
- American Heart Association - “Healthy Eating”
- National Institutes of Health - “Heathy eating, nutrition, and diet”
- American Heart Association - “-Be More Active During Your Workday”
- Warfighter Wellness - “Break It Down: Understanding the Components of Fitness”
- Mayo Clinic - “Weight loss: 6 strategies for success”
- Cleveland Clinic - “Blood Pressure”
- American Heart Association - “What is High Blood Pressure?”
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - “How to Quit Smoking”
- Food and Drug Administration - “How Smoking Can Increase Risk for and Affect Diabetes”
- SmokeFree.gov - “Tools & Tips”
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - “Healthy People 2030”