Once you are diagnosed with prediabetes, you’re at risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 10 years. This isn’t a guaranteed thing, though! You do have ways of preventing the progression of metabolic disorders.
But, first…
Let’s Talk About Prediabetes
This condition is diagnosed when your fasting blood glucose test comes back with a level of 126 mg/dl or greater on two separate occasions. At this point, the clock is ticking. Your doctor should suggest lifestyle changes to help keep your blood sugar levels down and may recommend that you start testing at home.
Chronically elevated blood sugar levels affect the body’s tissues and leads to insulin resistance. Over time, this causes enough damage that your cells stop responding to normal amounts of insulin. You’ll probably continue getting regular blood glucose tests at the doctor’s office to keep an eye on your prediabetes.
If your test results come back with levels equal to or greater than 200 mg/dl, on two separate occasions, it means you now have diabetes.
Ways To Keep This From Happening!
A decade is a long-time to make life-saving changes to your health. Just don’t put it off. Here are some things you can start doing right now to stop your prediabetes from becoming diabetes.
Get Enough Sleep
When you’re not going to bed at the same time every day or getting 7 to 9 hours each night, it messes with your metabolism. Not having good sleep habits can make it harder to lose weight too.
Cut the Sugars
Changing your diet can have an immediate effect on your blood sugar levels. Avoid high-fat, high-sugar snacks and desserts. Add more veggies, lean protein, and whole grain foods to your diet. This will give you more stable blood glucose levels and provide lots of nutrients.
Get Up From the Chair
Being more active helps you by lowering your blood sugars and burning calories. There are lots of ways to move more. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Go for a daily walk around the block. Or join the gym. Make being active a part of your lifestyle, so you don’t fall back into sedentary living.
Lose Weight
Research has shown that losing just 5 to 7% of your body weight can help lower your risk of developing diabetes by 58%. If you weigh 250 pounds, you only need to lose 12.5 pounds to cut your likelihood of getting diabetes by over half.
Above all, keep in touch with your doctor. Regular appointments and blood tests can help you keep track of your health and stop you from ignoring the problem.
[expand title=”References“]
What is Pre-diabetes? URL Link. Accessed June 7, 2017.
Prediabetes: 7 Steps To Take Now. URL Link. Accessed June 7, 2017.
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