What is Prediabetes?
Having diabetes is quite a common occurrence now all around the world. Some believe that the number one cause for that is the increased inactivity of our population and the obesity that stems from that and from overeating unhealthy amounts of food. But what many do not realize is that there are quite a few different types of diabetes, all with their own treatments and causes. Today we will diagnose one of those types called Prediabetes. The medical term for Prediabetes is impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG).
Both IGT and IFG happen when your blood glucose level becomes higher than what it should be, but not high enough to be considered diabetes. This type shares some of the same pathologies as type 2 diabetes. For example, like with type 2, your body’s cells will not respond properly to the insulin that it produces, and there will be a need for extra insulin. And because your IGT/IFG causes you to be unable to produce the rights amounts needed, you have a high chance of developing full blown diabetes if left untreated.
Also like normal cases of diabetes, pre-diabetes is found by using the same type of test called an oral glucose tolerance test. If IFG is detected in this test then that means that only your fasting blood glucose levels are higher than normal. However, for IGT it would mean that after two hours your blood glucose levels is higher than normal, but still below the levels that would be detected with diabetes.
Although it is found that people with pre-diabetes have an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, your odds can be decreased through healthier eating habits and exercise. This also prompts the need to mention that insulin resistance is closely related to being overweight, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. All of this also points to a greater risk of getting cardiovascular disease. What is most alarming is that all of this information describes such a large portion of the American population.
In fact, according to the American Diabetes Association, in the United States alone there are over 54 million adults diagnosed with Pre-diabetes. This number does not include the rapidly growing population of young adults being diagnosed, or the majority of those numbers that can turn into full blown diabetes in as little as ten years if left untreated. But there is some light at the end of the tunnel for many of these people.
In most all cases, progression of your disease to type 2 diabetes is not a foregone conclusion, only a possibility. With the right foods and physical activity are introduced into your life, then you can turn your odds around by restoring your blood sugar levels. It really is that simple. But for those that are worried that they may have pre-diabetes and don’t know what to look for, here are a few of the symptoms you may present with if you have symptoms at all that is.
• You will find that you have an increased thirst
• Most often with increased thirst will come frequent urination
• At times you may find that you have extreme hunger
• Some people have an unexplained weight loss
• Or perhaps you will find yourself over tired much of the time for no reason
• Occasionally you may find that your vision is blurred
• And finally, you may notice that any sores or infections you get are slow to heal or come often