Diabetes Run In The Family? 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Prediabetes

Prediabetes is a precursor to a full diagnosis of diabetes. About 86 million Americans suffer from prediabetes. It means that your blood glucose levels are a little above average, but not in the range to consider you to have diabetes. When you have prediabetes, your body isn’t producing enough of a specific hormone. You may be more at risk of having heart disease with a prediabetes diagnosis, so it is essential to be proactive in maintaining a healthy diet.

How will you know if you have prediabetes?

If your doctor suspects that you may be prediabetic, you will be required to go through some testing. One of these tests is a fasting plasma glucose test. This test requires you to fast overnight. The analysis is done the following morning to check your blood glucose levels. The oral glucose tolerance test is another one. This examination also requires fasting overnight. You will have your glucose tested the following morning and again two hours later after consuming a glucose drink.

What kind of foods should you avoid with prediabetes?

If you have a prediabetic diagnosis, your doctor will inform you about the type of foods that you shouldn’t be eating. You need to avoid things like sugary drinks, white bread, pasta, flavored coffee, and fruit-based yogurt. There are a lot of substitutions available to replace some of these items that can elevate your blood sugar.

Is prediabetes reversible?

The good news about prediabetes is that it is reversible. Prediabetes is a warning sign that you are at risk of developing diabetes. With a proper healthy diet and exercise, prediabetes can go away. Your medical provider will assist you in figuring out the best plan of attack for reaching your goals.

What type of diet is best for people with prediabetes?

There is much literature out there that can assist you in choosing a diet plan to help reverse the oncoming condition. The main staple in a diet for prediabetes is fiber-rich foods. Fiber can help you feel full for an extended period to help avoid sugary snack foods. Your meals should consist of a healthy balance of fruits and vegetables, too.

What are the symptoms of prediabetes?

Many people who have prediabetes experience no symptoms. However, there are a few signs you should know. You may experience excessive urination or weight gain. These symptoms are common for people who do experience symptoms from prediabetes. Other symptoms include extreme hunger, excessive thirst, and fatigue. You may feel as though you can’t get enough to eat or drink, even after eating a meal.

What is the treatment for prediabetes?

If you have a prediabetes diagnosis, your doctor may prescribe medications to help lower your blood sugar to a healthy level. In most cases, going on a fiber-rich diet and avoiding sugary drinks will help immensely. You may also ask to see a nutritionist to help you through the dieting process and to set up a diet plan.

Who should get tested for prediabetes?

Your doctor monitors blood sugar levels through blood testing if you experience no symptoms. Screening begins at age 45 unless you have some risk factors. Some of these risk factors include being overweight, having a family history of diabetes, or experiencing high blood pressure. If you have polycystic ovarian syndrome, you might develop prediabetes.

How often should testing be done?

People with no risk factors will be tested every three years to ensure that they have the proper blood glucose levels. If you have two or more risk factors for prediabetes, your medical provider will test you every year. More examination may be required if you experience symptoms. You may have to change certain prescribed medications that can raise blood sugar levels.

Who are the most at risk for prediabetes?

People who have a strong family history of diabetes are the most at-risk people. When giving your doctor a family history, be sure to include blood relatives that have diabetes to ensure you receive regular testing. Also, if you are overweight your doctor may decide to test annually and suggest a diet plan that will work for you.

What resources are available?

If you have prediabetes and are in search of support, there are a variety of resources to help you. The YMCA offers a support group program that can connect you with others who are worried about diabetes. This group can help you share your concerns, as well as help you with lifestyle changes. There are also websites that offer diabetic recipes to help you avoid the foods that can attribute to diabetes. You can also visit www.heart.org to find a plethora of dieting tips and support.