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
While the exact cause of diabetes has not been completely identified yet there is evidence that both hereditary and environmental are factors. Both of them may help in the development of prediabetes and insulin resistance.
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.
No, borderline diabetes is termed prediabetes or impaired glucose tolerance. It indicates that your body, for whatever reason (most commonly insulin resistance or inadequate secretion of insulin) has elevated levels of glucose that does not qualify as "diabetic" levels. This may progress to diabetes in time, or the glucose levels may return to normal.