Understanding the Signs of Pre Diabetes?

Answer 1

Before type 2 Diabetes sets in, there is a stage known as prediabetes. This means that the blood sugar level is higher than normal and, if not treated, it could develop into type 2. Diet and exercise can restore the blood sugar level, and the person who has it can go on to live a normal, healthy life free of the disease.

There are not always symptoms of prediabetes, but if there are, they may include blurry vision, increased frequency of urination, increased thirst and ongoing fatigue. The person may also have frequent infections, particularly of the bladder, gums and skin, and he may have cuts and bruises that are slow to heal. Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet are common as well.

Another sign of prediabetes is acanthosis nigricans. This condition causes dark brown or black blotches on the skin. These may occur on joints including knuckles, elbows and knees, and they may appear in the folds of the forehead, neck, armpits, groin and others.

A doctor should check people who show these symptoms. She will typically do one of three tests: FPG, or fasting plasma glucose test; OGTT, or oral glucose tolerance test; or an A1C test. The first two require overnight fasting, and the latter is based upon a patient's average blood glucose level over the prior three to four months.

If the doctor determines the patient has prediabetes, she will typically advise the patient to lose weight, get exercise and make modifications to his diet. A weight loss of only 10 to 15 pounds can make a difference. The exercise should be moderate, at least in the beginning. The dietary changes include consuming a healthy diet of fresh, whole foods as opposed to junk and fast foods.

Those who carry the highest risk of prediabetes include those who are overweight, inactive, over age 45, have a family history of diabetes, have sleeping problems, have high blood pressure or have high triglyceride levels. Ethnic groups who have higher risk include African-Americans, American Indians, Asian-Americans, Hispanics and Pacific Islanders. Mothers who developed gestational diabetes when they were pregnant and those who birthed a baby who weighed over nine pounds are also at higher risk.