Latest news tell us that there may be 1 out of every 5 Filipino has diabetes or prediabetes.
If you have diabetes or prediabetes, your doctor will likely recommend that you see a dietitian to guide you on dietary changes that can help you control your blood sugar (glucose) level and manage your weight.
Often pre-diabetes do not have any symptoms. Sometimes darkened areas of the skin, called acanthosis nigricans, is one of the few signs suggesting you are in possible risk of pre-diabetes
An A1C of 6.3% is considered to be in the prediabetes range, indicating that blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Generally, an A1C below 5.7% is deemed normal, while levels between 5.7% and 6.4% suggest prediabetes. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and potential lifestyle changes.
Diabetes can be caused by both hereditary (genetic) and environmental factors. In most people, it is not purely one or the other—it usually develops due to a combination of the two. Hereditary factors: Diabetes often runs in families. If a parent or sibling has diabetes—especially type 2 diabetes—your risk of developing it is higher because you may inherit genes that affect how your body produces or uses insulin. Environmental and lifestyle factors: Lifestyle also plays a major role. Factors such as unhealthy diet, obesity, lack of physical activity, and stress can increase the risk of diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes. These environmental influences may trigger the disease in people who already have a genetic predisposition. Different types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes: Often linked to immune system problems and genetic susceptibility, sometimes triggered by environmental factors such as infections. Type 2 diabetes: Strongly influenced by both family history and lifestyle habits. In simple terms: genes may increase your risk, but environmental factors often determine whether the disease actually develops. If you have a family history of diabetes or are experiencing symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue, consulting a specialist is important. MedicoExperts can help patients connect with experienced doctors for proper evaluation and guidance on diabetes management.
There is no specific diet you can use to ensure that you don't get diabetes. You can, however, carefully monitor what you eat. Try to avoid sugar as much as possible, and generally make healthy choices.
70-100 is the recommended current range. A trest called the hemoglobin A1c or glycohemoglobin will give an average (expressed as a percent) of your blood sugar over the past three months. Currently, anything over5.7% is considered a risk for developing diabetes called prediabetes. Above 6.5% means you have diabetes. Over 7% means your diabetes is not well controlled.
Prediabetes is typically indicated by a fasting blood glucose level of 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) or an A1C level between 5.7% and 6.4%. It serves as a warning sign for the potential development of type 2 diabetes. Maintaining healthy lifestyle choices can help manage or reverse prediabetes. Regular monitoring and consultation with a healthcare provider are important for those at risk.
Since the higher than normal blood sugar levels associated with prediabetes can develop into type 2 diabetes, it is important for people to take the necessary steps to make healthy changes in their diet. In general, the prediabetes diet includes options that are low in calories and fat, but high in fiber. They should also focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. People with prediabetes should limit their intake of fatty foods and desserts, since this will make them gain weight and increase their blood sugar. Lean meats, non-fat dairy items, dried beans and fish should also become a staple in the diet of someone who has prediabetes.
Glucose tolerance testing (GTT) measures how well the body processes glucose and is used to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes. During the test, a patient fasts overnight, then consumes a glucose-rich drink, and blood sugar levels are measured at intervals. If blood sugar levels remain elevated beyond specific thresholds after two hours, it indicates impaired glucose metabolism, suggesting diabetes or prediabetes. This test helps healthcare providers assess insulin sensitivity and the body's ability to handle glucose effectively.
A blood sugar level of 120 mg/dL and an A1C of 6.7% indicate that you may have diabetes or prediabetes. The A1C result of 6.7% is above the threshold for diabetes, which is 6.5% or higher. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss potential next steps for management.
If you have diabetes or prediabetes, your doctor will likely recommend that you see a dietitian to guide you on dietary changes that can help you control your blood sugar (glucose) level and manage your weight.