Prediabetes Borderline Diabetes information
Get essential information on Prediabetes, the borderline diabetes condition. Learn how to manage and prevent Prediabetes for a healthier future.
If you have Prediabetes, it shows that your blood sugar level is higher than average.
It is not relatively high enough to be classified as diabetes type 2, at least not yet.
However, regardless of age, individuals with Prediabetes face a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The likelihood increases without significant lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise changes.
This applies to both adults and children who have been diagnosed with Prediabetes.
Taking proactive steps is crucial in preventing the progression to full-blown type 2 diabetes.
There is some positive news.
There is no guarantee that someone with Prediabetes will eventually develop type 2 diabetes.
Consuming nutritious foods, incorporating regular physical activity into your schedule, and healthy body weight may assist you in returning your blood sugar levels to normal. It is likely that modifying one’s lifestyle, such as those that help avoid type 2 diabetes in adults, can also help bring back normal blood sugar levels in youngsters.
What is borderline diabetes?
Some individuals call prediabetes “borderline diabetes,” while the correct word is “prediabetes.” Prediabetes is a condition that can occur before a person develops type 2 diabetes. Medical practitioners used the term “prediabetes” to describe this disease.
Prediabetes is a condition that can happen when your blood sugar levels are always higher than usual,
but not relatively high enough to be a sign that you have diabetes.
It also referred to this condition as impaired fasting glucose or glucose intolerance.
During the stage known as Prediabetes, your pancreas can still release an adequate amount of insulin in response to the consumption of carbs. However, insulin works less effectively to clear sugar from the system, so blood sugar levels continue to be elevated. Insulin resistance is the term used to describe this disorder.
If you have Prediabetes, you should know you are not the only one dealing with this condition.
We projected that there were 96 million adults in the United States who were diagnosed with Prediabetes in the year 2019, which is equivalent to around one-third of adults.
If you have Prediabetes, it does not guarantee that you will gain diabetes.
However, to prevent the illness from worsening, adjusting your diet and way of life is essential.
If one does not adjust their lifestyle during the next three to five years, we expect between 15 and 30 per cent of persons with Prediabetes will develop diabetes.
Early warning signs of trouble
Insulin resistance is a condition that, if neglected for a significant amount of time without receiving treatment, can cause the development of type 2 diabetes.
Prediabetes rarely creates symptoms, and the only people who know they have it are those who have it.
Borderline diabetes risk factors
If you have more than one of these risk factors,
your chances of developing Prediabetes are higher:
- having a body mass index of 30 or more or being obese
- not being physically active
- being 45 years old or older
- high blood pressure or cholesterol
- having a history of heart disease, stroke, gestational diabetes, or polycystic ovarian syndrome
- having a close family member who has type 2 diabetes
Determining if you have borderline diabetes
Because Prediabetes is a disorder that has no symptoms, having regular checkups with your doctor is essential for finding it in its early stages.
If you suspect you could be on the verge of developing diabetes, it is best to talk to a medical professional about your concerns.
If a doctor suspects you have Prediabetes, they will probably perform either an oral glucose tolerance test or a haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test (OGTT).
Since HbA1c is a sign of how well your blood sugar has been controlled over the preceding three months,
a single fasting blood sugar check is not always the best way to get an overall picture of your condition.
An HbA1c result that falls within the ranges of 5.7 and 6.4 showed Prediabetes.
Diabetes complications on the verge of being diagnosed
High blood glucose levels, mainly if you do nothing to correct them, can influence other systems in your body.
This can make you more susceptible to various health dangers and ongoing conditions that affect your health. Uncontrolled diabetes can, for instance, result in the following complications:
- loss of vision;
- nerve damage;
- kidney damage;
- cardiovascular disease
The elevated levels of insulin that accompany insulin resistance can contribute to the development of further issues.
When should one go to the doctor?
If you are concerned about diabetes or experiencing any of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes, make an appointment with your primary care physician.
If you have any risk factors for diabetes, discuss getting a blood sugar screening with your primary care physician.
Ways to lower the risk of Prediabetes
The Diabetes Prevention Program was an extensive research study conducted at multiple centres to investigate the role that changes in lifestyle could play in preventing diabetes.
The results should give a lot of hope to people who have diabetes or are at risk of getting it.
During the three years of the study, people who kept a healthy weight and did regular physical activity had a 58% lower chance of getting diabetes.
Therefore, modifying your food and lifestyle can be especially helpful for those with Prediabetes, and doing so may help support blood sugar control and overall health.
A healthy and well-rounded diet
Concentrate on consuming foods that are high in nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins,
and fats that are good for the heart.
Choose grains high in complex carbs, such as whole grains, while shopping for grains.
You should also aim to reduce your added sugars, such as those in processed baked goods or beverages sweetened with sugar.
Foods that include a lot of added sugar can cause blood sugar levels to rise, and often, foods that are high in added sugar are also deficient in critical nutrients.
Make an appointment with a nutritionist if you need help with meal planning to lower your risk of developing diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association also has simple tips for people with diabetes who want to learn how to cook better.
Acts of physical exertion
Aim for 150 minutes of exercise every week, equivalent to approximately 30 minutes five days a week.
This can encompass various pursuits, such as strolling, riding, swimming, hiking, or dancing.
Keep your weight at a healthy, reasonable level.
Although prediabetes can develop in people of any size, those who are overweight or obese are much more likely to create it.
Talk to your primary care provider or a dietitian to find out if it would be helpful to change how you exercise or what you eat to help you get to or stay at a healthy weight and lower your risk of getting diabetes.
Medications
If you have Prediabetes, your physician may recommend taking a medicine like metformin (Glumetza, Glucophage, Fortamet, and Riomet).
This may also help make the body more sensitive to insulin and keep blood sugar levels under control.
Please do not wait, but start soon.
Talk with your primary care physician before beginning any dietary or lifestyle modifications. It will give you the best opportunity to prevent diabetes from occurring in the first place and the best chance of avoiding any potential consequences that could arise from diabetes that is not under control.
It is essential to remember that just because we have diagnosed you with Prediabetes does not mean you will gain diabetes.
If you have Prediabetes, you can improve your overall health while halting the progression of the disease by making some relatively minor alterations to your diet and way of life.
FAQs for Prediabetes Borderline Diabetes information
Q1: What happens if you have borderline Prediabetes?
If you discover you have borderline Prediabetes, your blood sugar levels are slightly higher than they should be, but not yet at the diabetes stage. It’s a signal that you need to take action. Without changes, it could turn into full-blown diabetes. But the good news is that you can make lifestyle changes to prevent that.
Q2: How serious is borderline diabetes?
Borderline diabetes, or Prediabetes, is a pretty serious thing. It raises your chances of getting type 2 diabetes, leading to heart problems and other health issues. But here’s the silver lining: you have the power to do something about it. By making healthy choices, you can lower your risks and get healthier.
Q3: Can borderline diabetes be treated?
Yes, it can. Borderline diabetes doesn’t have to be a one-way street to full-blown diabetes. You can turn things around with the right moves, like eating better, getting active, and maybe shedding some extra pounds.
Q4: Can I recover from Prediabetes?
Absolutely! Many people with Prediabetes can bounce back to healthy blood sugar levels. It takes effort, like eating smart and staying active, but it’s doable. And remember, you’re not alone. Your healthcare team can help you every step of the way.
Q5: What are the warning signs of prediabetes?
Warning signs of prediabetes can include:
Increased thirst and frequent urination
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Unexplained weight loss or gain
Slow-healing wounds
Tingling or numbness in hands and feet. If you experience these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation.
Q6: Can prediabetes be treated?
Yes, prediabetes can be treated and even reversed through lifestyle changes. These include:
Eating a balanced diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Exercising regularly, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
Maintaining a healthy weight.
Managing stress and getting enough sleep.
Monitoring blood sugar levels as recommended by your healthcare provider. In some cases, medication may also be prescribed.
Q7: What foods should a pre-diabetic avoid?
Prediabetics should avoid or limit:
Sugary beverages and foods
Highly processed and refined carbohydrates like white bread and sugary cereals
Saturated and trans fats found in fried and fast foods
Excessive salt intake
Alcohol in excess. Instead, focus on a balanced diet with whole foods, fiber-rich choices, and portion control.
Q8: What is the fastest way to fix prediabetes?
There’s no “fast” fix for prediabetes, but here are some effective steps:
Start with a healthier diet, avoiding sugary and processed foods.
Engage in regular physical activity.
Lose weight if overweight or obese.
Monitor blood sugar levels and follow your healthcare provider’s advice.
Consider medication if recommended by your healthcare provider. Remember, making sustainable changes for long-term health is crucial, and results may vary from person to person.
Always consult a healthcare provider for a personalized plan to effectively manage prediabetes.
Conclusion
The condition known as Prediabetes is dangerous for one’s health.
Prediabetes is when a person has higher blood sugar levels than usual
but not high enough to warrant a diabetes diagnosis. Whether someone is likely to get type 2 diabetes,
heart disease, or other illnesses.
When they have Prediabetes, their risk of stroke increases significantly.
So, talk to your primary care doctor before changing your diet or way of life.
Also, try to move around more.
