Pre-Diabetes is a serious health condition which is characterized by high blood glucose levels and insulin resistance, but it’s not Type 2 Diabetes yet. This can happen if your pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or your cells are not or not efficiently taking up glucose (which they need as fuel), because they might be resistant to insulin. This causes even higher blood glucose levels, which can lead to the development of Type 2 Diabetes, a chronic condition that is no longer reversible, but only manageable. Diabetes can lead to long-term damage of the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidney and nerves, which is why it’s important that it’s monitored and managed well. Pre-Diabetes alone puts you at higher risk to develop diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Pre-Diabetes often has no clear symptoms, so it’s important to get monitored for it regularly. There are several blood tests to test for pre-diabetes, such as the fasting glucose test, the oral glucose tolerance test, and the hemoglobin A1c test. All these tests can give an indication about your blood sugar levels, and if your body already shows signs of insulin resistance and pre-diabetes, or has even already developed Type 2 Diabetes. Ask your doctor or healthcare provider about Pre-Diabetes, and how to best monitor for it or manage it if you have it.
Sources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Prediabetes – Your Chance to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/prediabetes.html (accessed 8. August 2020)
- Mayo Clinic. Prediabetes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prediabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355278 (accessed 8. August 2020)
- WebMD. Prediabetes (Borderline Diabetes). https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/what-is-prediabetes (accessed 8. August 2020)
