How Susceptible Are You to Pre-diabetes? What You Need to Know and How to Reverse the Trend

What is pre-diabetes?  Pre-diabetes means you likely have higher than normal blood-sugar levels but not high enough to be classed as a diabetic. It does mean, however, that you are susceptible to developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease if you do nothing to reverse the trend.

There are usually no physical symptoms to alert you if you are in a pre-diabetes stage because by the time the symptoms become apparent, it's usually too late - you've already crossed the line between pre-diabetes and Diabetes 2.  If you fall into any of the following categories, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider and have your blood sugar levels checked. 

* You are overweight and are 45 years old or older

* Your weight is ok and you're over 45 years of age. Do ask your doctor during a routine check-up if testing is appropriate for you

* You are an adult under age 45 and you are overweight

* You have high blood pressure; low HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides

* Your family has a history of diabetes

* There's a history of gestational diabetes in your family

* You have given birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds

* You belong to an ethnic or minority group that has a high risk for diabetes, such as, African American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American/Latino.

At the point even if your blood sugar levels were elevated, but not to the point of being diagnosed with diabetes, you can take positive action to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease and actually reverse the trend.  Some positive actions are:

* Reduce the amount on your plate - eating just a little less helps reduce your risk factor.

* Avoid snacks; if you must snack go for a healthy one rather than a sugar-laden option.

* Drink a glass of water 10 minutes before eating to take the edge of your appetite so you don't overindulge in food.

* Choose whole-grain foods or sugar-free foods.

* Start an exercise program or just increase your physical activity.  It could be as simple as walking up the stairs instead of taking the lift or an escalator.

* Don't shop for food when you are feeling hungry.  You'll be more tempted to buy the foods that increase your blood sugars; add on weight and generally create a higer risk of moving from your pre-diabetes state into being a fully diagnosed type 2 diabetic.

* Add more natural and organic products to your diet and eliminate processed foods to the extent possible.

Taking these and other simple actions can reduce your risk of turning pre-diabetes into type 2 diabetes.