If you have any of the risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes, you might be concerned about the condition known as pre diabetes. Unfortunately, pre diabetes typically has no obvious physical symptoms, and can only be diagnosed through a blood test. But if you have a family history of diabetes or are significantly overweight, it is something you should be aware of and talk to your doctor about.
Type 2 diabetes is a serious medical condition that is caused by elevated blood sugar levels, which is a result of your system not producing enough insulin. In pre diabetes, there is an excessive amount of sugar present in your bloodstream, but the levels aren’t elevated enough for it to be officially diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
Darkened patches of skin are one of the few pre diabetes symptoms that are actually noticeable. Areas that are usually affected are the elbows, knees, armpits, neck and knuckles. However, if you notice any of the signs of diabetes, this is an indication that the condition is advancing. Unusual fatigue, excessive thirst, frequent urination, and blurred vision are the most typical symptoms of diabetes.
In order to make an accurate diagnosis of pre diabetes, a fasting plasma glucose test and an oral glucose tolerance test are the normal means of determining whether or not you have the condition. An elevated glucose level is not necessarily indicative of diabetes but a retest will be scheduled to monitor the situation.
Several risk factors for type 2 diabetes have been identified, including a family history of diabetes, your age (45 or older), and ethnic background (African-American, Hispanic, American Indian, Asian-American or a Pacific Islander), all factors over which you have no control. Other contributors to type 2 diabetes are obesity and inactivity – both of which you can control.
Fortunately, the condition can be reversed quite easily through some changes to your diet and other lifestyle factors. The most effective means of minimizing the risks of developing pre diabetes is to keep your body weight at an appropriate level. If you also work out on a regular basis you can further lower your chances of developing the condition, which, of course, will guarantee that you don’t develop type 2 diabetes in the end.
In some cases, those with a pre diabetic condition have already suffered damage to their bodies that they are probably not even aware of, including heart disease and circulatory issues. Since there are seldom any noticeable pre diabetes symptoms, many people simply don’t know that they have this condition. If you are at risk, it’s important that you be alert to any problems and get tested immediately if you suspect you might have this serious condition. Timely treatment is essential to prevent further damage and to help you continue to enjoy a healthy life.
Resources:
Mayo Clinic
American Diabetes Association