‘Your diet and lifestyle reflect how much you value yourself. Bloom your true wellness with the right nourishment of body, mind, and soul’.
Undoubtedly, your health is your greatest asset. It is the most critical yet straightforward truth to lead a healthier and fulfilling life. You must have heard the famous saying, ‘Prevention is better than cure.’ This saying holds special meaning when managing chronic conditions like diabetes. But do you know before getting full-blown diabetes, your body sends you numerous signals?
If you are willing to know ‘what are the warning signs of prediabetes,’ you are not alone. Many people don’t have any idea or realization that they are at risk of diabetes until it’s too late.
Early detection of diabetes plays a critical role, and recognizing the signs of prediabetes or diabetes could be life-changing. However, it is pretty challenging to discover the condition because people usually don’t notice early signs or symptoms. These could be red flags if you have noticed unusual fatigue, increased thirst, or blurred vision. It is often referred to as ‘borderline diabetics’.
Early prevention can make a huge difference and may allow you to adjust your lifestyle. This comprehensive write-up will examine these subtle yet vital warning signs.
What is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes is a serious health condition that often goes unnoticed. It is because people are not aware of the signs or symptoms that define conditions like prediabetes.
But here is the catch: prediabetes is a critical warning sign. It represents that your body is struggling to regulate your blood sugar level. Further, prediabetes is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Prediabetes refers to a health condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than usual. Yet, it is not that high to be called diabetes. It is in the phase of development of type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is also the prime opportunity to make essential lifestyle changes and reverse the condition before it’s too late. Preventing prediabetes means prevention from heart disease or strokes.
The good news is that you can manage your blood sugar level with minor adjustments and implementing the proper dietary habits. Ultimately, this will protect your long-term health by eliminating the risk of type 2 or type 1 diabetes.
If you are wondering if you are pre-diabetic, stick with this page and explore everything below.
What is the difference between prediabetes and diabetes?
The primary difference between prediabetes and diabetes is how the body metabolizes blood sugar or glucose. In cases of prediabetes, blood sugar levels are elevated beyond the normal range. However, they are not sufficiently high to warrant a diabetes diagnosis. The stage of prediabetes serves as a crucial warning sign. It indicates an increased risk for conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. At this juncture, you may not observe any noticeable symptoms. Still, the body is beginning to face challenges related to insulin resistance, wherein the cells fail to respond adequately to insulin (a hormone essential for blood sugar regulation).
Conversely, diabetes is a health condition in which blood sugar levels persistently exceed standard limits. In this case, the pancreas either fails to produce adequate insulin or the body develops resistance to it. Type 1 diabetes is often attributed to the immune system’s attack on the insulin-producing cells. In contrast, in type 2 diabetes, lifestyle factors such as diet and inactivity significantly contribute to its emergence.
The positive aspect is that prediabetes can frequently be reversed through lifestyle modifications. For instance, you must focus on improving your diet, enhancing physical activity, and losing weight. Without intervention, it may progress to type 2 diabetes. Further, this may result in severe complications, like heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve issues. Early detection plays a critical role as it can significantly reverse the condition.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Prediabetes
Prediabetes is a serious health condition that requires proper attention and prevention. It is crucial to understand what are the warning signs of prediabetes. Recognizing the signs and symptoms early is vital. It allows you to take steps to prevent or manage the onset of diabetes. Here are some key signs and symptoms of prediabetes to watch out for:
i) Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination:
If you are feeling thirsty unusually and need to urinate more frequently, it may indicate the symptoms of prediabetes. Frequent urination and unusual thirst feelings happen when the blood sugar level causes the kidneys to work overtime to filter excess glucose. Further, you may also feel dehydration.
ii) Consistent Fatigue:
If you find yourself continuously weak and tired despite getting enough sleep, these could be signs of early-stage prediabetes symptoms. When your body is not using insulin properly, it will not convert into energy and make you feel fatigued.
iii) Blurred Vision:
High blood sugar levels pull fluid from your tissues, including your eyes’ lenses, leading to blurry vision.
iv) Unexplained Weight Loss:
When your body is unable to use glucose properly, it starts burning muscle and fat for energy, ultimately leading to weight loss despite eating normally.
v) Prediabetes Dark Neck (Acanthosis Nigricans):
One of the more noticeable symptoms of prediabetes is a dark neck, which is often called Acanthosis Nigricans. In this condition, dark, velvety patches of skin develop around the neck, armpits, or groin.
vi) Increased Hunger or Numbness:
When insulin doesn’t work appropriately in the body, the cells don’t get enough energy from glucose. Ultimately, this triggers frequent hunger pangs and numb sensations in the hands and feet.
If you notice any of these early-stage prediabetes symptoms, it is crucial to talk to your healthcare experts or dietitians. The earlier stage of prediabetes can be identified and managed through lifestyle changes, improving diet, and maintaining a healthy weight.
What causes prediabetes?
As we know, prediabetes is a condition in which one’s blood sugar level is higher than the usual range. It is often a silent condition lacking proper dietary habits, physical activity, and lifestyle. People are unaware that they are at risk until serious issues arise. So here we will discuss the causes of prediabetes.
• Insulin Resistance
Did you know that one of the main culprits of prediabetes is insulin resistance? In normal conditions, insulin helps body cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream.
In the case of prediabetes, your body doesn’t respond to insulin and cannot convert glucose into energy. Further, it causes your blood sugar level to rise and leads to prediabetes.
• Obesity & Poor Diet
If you are overweight, it causes concern. Being overweight is never healthy. Having an ideal body weight is important to lead a healthier life ahead.
Being overweight, especially with excess fat around the abdomen, increases the chances of developing insulin resistance. A diet high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats contributes a significant part to the development of prediabetes.
• Lack of Physical Activity
Due to lack of exercise and physical activity, prediabetes often leads to diabetes. Adopting and maintaining physical activity allows you to easily control your blood glucose level.
Regular exercise helps regulate blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity. Without enough physical activity, the chances of developing insulin resistance increase.
• Genetics & Family History
If you have a family history of diabetes, your risk of developing prediabetes is higher. Genetics plays a role in how your body handles blood sugar.
Some other factors that cause prediabetes are the following:
- Hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism and Cushing Syndrome.
- PCOS
- Long-term use of steroids.
- Chronic stress
- Lack of adequate sleep.
What are the Risk Factors for Prediabetes?
Several risk factors often lead to prediabetes. Most of the risk factors can’t be changed, but others can be improved. It is important to recognize the risk factors early to prevent and manage prediabetes on time. Here are some common risk factors associated with increased chances of developing prediabetes.
• Obesity: Being overweight is one of the significant risk factors for prediabetes. Excess fat around the abdomen impairs the ability to use insulin effectively. Ultimately, it leads to higher blood sugar levels.
• Age: The risk of prediabetes mainly increases with age. In recent years, people, including teens and adults, have become prone to developing prediabetes or diabetes. It is due to a lack of physical activity, a poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle.
• Family History: Having a close family member with Type 2 diabetes raises the risk for prediabetes. It is the genetic component that may occur in your body.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Leading a sedentary life without physical activity significantly contributes to insulin resistance.
• High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: These two conditions go hand in hand with prediabetes. Elevated blood sugar levels and abnormal cholesterol levels make it harder for your body to manage insulin effectively.
Some other risk factors for prediabetes include Smoking, obstructive sleep apnea, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Knowing what are the warning signs of prediabetes allows you to implement treatments like lifestyle changes and medications. Early detection and early treatment help to avoid the chances of severe diabetic side effects. For instance, helps to prevent nerve damage, kidney disease, and cardiovascular issues.
Prediabetes Tests and Diagnosis
Specific tests and diagnoses can identify prediabetes in its early stages. However, many people with prediabetes don’t experience any noticeable symptoms. Healthcare professionals rely on blood tests that measure blood sugar levels to get an accurate diagnosis of the condition. Here are the main tests used to diagnose conditions like prediabetes and diabetes.
a) Fasting Blood Sugar Test
The fasting blood sugar test measures your blood sugar after fasting for at least eight hours. This test is usually taken in the morning since it measures blood sugar when you have not eaten anything.
The usual range is less than 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl). A range between 100 mg/dl and 125 mg/dl indicates prediabetes.
b) Hemoglobin A1c Test
The hemoglobin A1c test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past two or three months. Its main objective is to diagnose conditions like prediabetes or diabetes.
This test typically examines the major component of blood, hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein that binds with sugar. High sugar levels or sugar stuck to hemoglobin often indicate prediabetes or diabetes.
The condition is normal if the hemoglobin A1c level is less than 5.7%. However, if it ranges between 5.7% and 6.4%, it suggests prediabetes.
c) Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
The OGTT test measures your blood sugar level after having a sugary solution at intervals afterward. In this test, you measure how your body reacts two hours after you have been given a sugary drink.
The usual range of the OGTT test is less than 140 mg/dl. If the test ranges between 140 mg/dl and 199 mg/dl, it indicates prediabetes.
Prediabetes Complications
Though prediabetes itself doesn’t cause any instant harm, it significantly increases the risk factors of developing severe health complications. Without intervention or proper treatment, it can lead to a range of long-term health issues. Here are some of the most common complications that are often seen due to prediabetes.
i) Heart Disease:
Prediabetes mainly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. It occurs due to high blood pressure, obesity, and high cholesterol. These factors make it more challenging for the heart to pump regular blood effectively. Ultimately, this leads to the chances of heart strokes and heart attacks.
ii) Nerve Damage (Neuropathy):
Never damage, also called neuropathy, is an uncommon sign of diabetes. In this, nerves get damaged and mainly begin in the prediabetic stage. Over a specific time, high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves. It may lead to numbness, tingling, or pain in your feet and hands.
iii) Kidney Disease:
If you are unable to manage your blood sugar level due to prediabetes or diabetes, it can strain your kidneys. Eventually, this can lead to kidney disease. Kidney care is essential as proper treatment for prediabetes is important to avoid the chances of developing kidney failure and requiring dialysis.
iv) Vision Problems:
High blood sugar levels can potentially affect the eyes by damaging the blood vessels in the retina. Furthermore, they increase the risk of diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. If left unchecked, they can worsen over time.
Early intervention is key to preventing prediabetes from progressing over time. By recognizing symptoms of prediabetes in males or females and signs of prediabetes in adults, you can take essential action. With the right lifestyle changes, you can effectively prevent and manage prediabetes and pre-diabetic side effects.
When to Seek Medical Advice?
Suppose you are experiencing the initial symptoms of prediabetes—such as increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained fatigue, or blurry vision. It is essential to seek medical advice promptly. These signs often go unnoticed. However, addressing them early can help prevent the progression to full-blown diabetes. One specific symptom to watch for is a skin rash associated with prediabetes. Further, it may manifest as dark patches around the neck, armpits, or groin area. If you suspect this or if your blood sugar levels appear higher than usual, don’t delay.
Your healthcare provider can guide you through practical strategies to lower blood sugar, manage symptoms, and enhance overall health. They strive to reverse the early stages of prediabetes potentially. Early intervention is crucial!
Lifestyle Changes to Prevent and Manage Prediabetes
Do you know what is the best way to treat and potentially reverse prediabetes? Lifestyle modification with eating habits, regular exercise, and a dynamic life can heal any lifestyle disorder. Here is how:
• Adopt a Balanced Diet
We know prediabetes is a lifestyle disorder, and starting to make changes in your eating habits can make a significant difference. Eating a nutritious and balanced diet is the key to managing blood sugar levels. For that, it is crucial to intake complex carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals, fiber, and more. Also, it is recommended to limit the intake of simple carbohydrates, processed foods, and beverages. Alternatively, opt for natural sweeteners to satisfy your craving.
Prefer whole grains like brown rice and quinoa. Include fiber-rich vegetables in your diet and add lean proteins like chicken, fish, and legumes. Avoid the intake of highly processed food or drinks or any packaged foods.
• Get Moving with Regular Exercise
Physical activity is one of the most effective strategies for managing blood sugar levels. Aiming for 30 minutes of moderate exercise, ideally for five days or more, is advisable. Activities like walking, swimming, cycling, and strength training are all commendable options. Exercise enhances insulin sensitivity, thus lowering your risk of developing full-blown diabetes.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial. Losing even a modest amount of weight can decrease your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Pairing weight loss with consistent exercise and a nutritious diet can yield remarkable results in regulating blood sugar levels.
With the help of healthcare providers, you need to lose excess weight to combat insulin resistance and prediabetes.
• Monitor Your Blood Sugar
If you are wondering what are the warning signs of prediabetes, it is crucial to track your blood sugar level regularly. Elevated blood sugar, particularly in the absence of overt symptoms, can be a subtle indicator of prediabetes.
Some individuals might encounter uncommon signs of diabetes, such as frequent infections, blurry vision, or fatigue. These signs can signal elevated blood sugar levels. Make sure to consult your healthcare professionals or doctors to check your blood sugar level and do what is necessary based on that.
• Pay Attention to Early Signs of Diabetic Feet
Usually, people with prediabetes or diabetes have symptoms associated with their feet and hands. Diabetic people may have tingling, numbness, or pain in the feet, legs, and hands. These signs can lead to nerve damage mainly caused by high blood sugar.
It is crucial to check your feet and hands regularly. If you notice any cuts or sores, consult a healthcare provider for clarification.
• Manage Stress
Many people suffer from chronic stress, which often leads to higher blood sugar levels. It is important to practice a healthy approach with effective stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. Regular stress management will help you keep your blood sugar level in check for effective prediabetes treatments.
You can take control of your health by adopting these simple yet effective lifestyle changes. Further, these changes prevent the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes.
Your Health is Our Priority—Act Now for a Healthier Tomorrow!
In conclusion, recognizing the warning signs of prediabetes can significantly improve your health. Early detection and proper intervention are the keys to managing your health effectively.
At One Health Medical Group, Dr. Adam Atoot is a highly respected and compassionate physician with experience in the medical field. He is dedicated to offering exceptional care and treatment to all patients. His goal is to meet the standard of excellence. Additionally, he holds a specialization in identifying prediabetes and ensuring to provide personalized care to manage and reverse the condition. With the help of comprehensive screenings, tailored lifestyle recommendations, and ongoing support. We empower you to take control of your health before anything serious arises.
Take your first step toward a healthier future with One Health Medical Group. Schedule an appointment with our doctor and get expert care and treatment.