The Gray Area of Pre-diabetes

Answer 1

Basic Facts

Pre-Diabetes is defined as levels of blood sugar that are elevated above normal range but not yet high enough to be classified as regular type 2 diabetes. Pre-diabetes is one of the largest issues facing developed countries, particularly America, and signifies risk not only for developing diabetes but also increased cardiovascular complications.

Causes of pre-diabetes include a family history of diabetes, obesity, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular problems, and for women Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Signs and Symptoms

There are no specific symptoms for having pre-diabetes. Instead, you should be on the lookout for symptoms of diabetes type 2, which include unexplained weight loss or gain, recurring infections, constant hunger, flu-like symptoms such as weakness and fatigue, tingling in hands and feet, blurred vision, and slow healing of cuts and bruises.

Of course, possessing these symptoms does not automatically mean pre-diabetes. A medical professional can hone in on a diagnosis by performing tests such as the fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) or the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). In both of these tests, the doctor will measure your blood glucose levels after consumption of a sugary substance, most often a liquid. The resulting blood glucose level will indicate if you have a 'normal' metabolic process or one influences by pre-diabetes or diabetes.

Can Pre-diabetes Be Treated?

Even if you are diagnosed by a medical professional as having pre-diabetes, you can still prevent the condition from developing into type 2 diabetes. This can be done through exercise, diet modification, and in the opinion of some medical professionals medication. In some cases, patients designated as pre-diabetic were able to return their blood glucose levels to below pre-diabetic range, further eliminating their personal risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Your Best Plan

If you have concerns that you or a loved one may be pre-diabetic, the best answers can be found with the help of a doctor. An examination of your current and past health, family history, and the administration of tests like the FPG and OGTT will give you concrete answers.