Pre-diabetes affects 57 million Americans, leading to type 2 diabetes if not treated. Tests for the condition include fasting blood glucose and oral glucose tolerance tests. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, and dietary changes can prevent or reverse the condition.
People who have pre-diabetes have blood sugar levels that are higher than they should be but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. The condition is quite common in the United States, affecting about 57 million people, some of which they may not know they have the condition as it is usually asymptomatic. Pre-diabetes, formerly known as borderline diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance, usually leads to type 2 diabetes unless the patient takes steps to prevent or reverse the condition.
When a person has type 2 diabetes, their body is usually unable to make or use insulin to metabolize glucose, or sugar, found in many foods. Sugar then builds up in the blood and can cause damage to the heart, kidneys, and central nervous system. People who have type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Similarly, people with this condition also face a higher risk of these conditions.
While the risks are high, many people are unaware that they have pre-diabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that adults over the age of 45 and overweight talk to their doctor about getting tested for the condition. There are two tests for the condition, both of which measure the level of glucose in the blood. Both tests are considered equally effective.
Before performing either test, the patient must fast for at least eight hours. For the first test, known as a fasting blood glucose test, a blood sample is taken and the glucose level is measured. If glucose is between 100 and 125 mg/dl, the patient has pre-diabetes. During the oral glucose tolerance test, a patient’s glucose is tested after a fast. He or she then drinks something high in sugar and has his or her blood tested after two hours. If your glucose level is between 140 and 199 mg/dl after two hours, you are pre-diabetic.
After a person is diagnosed with pre-diabetes, they can take steps to slow the progression to type 2 diabetes or even reverse the condition. Patients who lose about 5% of their body weight often slow or prevent the development of diabetes. Patients may also benefit from more exercise and dietary changes, such as cutting down on sweets and making sure they eat nutritious meals. Reducing risky behaviors, such as smoking, and working to lower blood pressure and cholesterol can also reduce a patient’s chances of developing diabetes-related diseases.
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