What is prediabetes?
Prediabetes means your blood sugar (glucose) level is above normal, but not high enough to be considered diabetes. The higher level means your body is starting to have trouble using the hormone insulin, which normally moves glucose from the blood into your body's cells. Without insulin working properly, glucose begins to build up in your bloodstream.
Prediabetes is a warning, signaling that you could get diabetes if you don't change your lifestyle. Also, higher-than-normal blood sugar over time puts you at risk for complications like heart disease and nerve damage (neuropathy).
Prediabetes often doesn't have any symptoms, so you may not know you have it. Your doctor can measure your blood sugar during a routine blood screening test. To decide whether to screen, your doctor will look at risk factors like:
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Your age (if you're 45 or older)
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Ethnic background
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Are you overweight?
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Do you have a family history of diabetes?
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Do you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol?
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Are you a woman who had gestational diabetes during a pregnancy?
86 Million People have prediabetes
AND DON'T KNOW IT!
Are You Prediabetic?
Good News! You can make a life change in three steps
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Good News!
If you are prediabetic,
Eat Healthy Foods
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Choose foods low in fat and calories and high in fiber. Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Strive for variety to help you achieve your goals without compromising taste or nutrition.
Be More Active
Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week.
Lose Excess Weight
If you're overweight, losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. To keep your weight in a healthy range, focus on permanent changes to your eating and exercise habits. Motivate yourself by remembering the benefits of losing weight, such as a healthier heart, more energy and improved self-esteem.