Things to know if you are Prediabetic

A person is prediabetic when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal. Your blood sugar levels are not high enough to be considered diabetic but without lifestyle changes, there is a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Prediabetes is a reversible condition. If you have prediabetes you are at a high risk of becoming type 2 diabetes, developing heart disease, and getting a stroke.

According to the National Urban Diabetes Survey, 14% of Indians are prediabetic.

Symptoms

Prediabetes does not have any clear symptoms. It can remain undetected until you have a serious health problem and get diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Causes

Your pancreas produces a hormone called insulin. Insulin is used to transport glucose. Glucose is transported to different parts of your body through your bloodstream. When you are prediabetic, your body does not produce enough insulin or does not process it well. This condition can increase the glucose level in the blood, leading to higher-than-normal glucose levels.

Your risks of prediabetes increases if you are:-

• Overweight
• Are over 45 years or older.
• Have a history of diabetes in your family
• Is physically inactive
• Has had gestational diabetes.
• Has PCOD.
• Has hypothyroidism.
• Has sleep apnea
• Smoke regularly.

Diagnosis

The best physician in Patna will order a blood test at home to check your blood glucose levels. The blood tests typically ordered are:-

• Fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) requires you to fast for eight hours before the test. The test is typically done in the morning. If your Blood glucose level between 100 and 125 mg/dl means you are prediabetic. The doctor may characterize your levels as "impaired fasting glucose". Blood glucose levels above 126 mg/dl indicate you are diabetic.

• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is another test that can be used to diagnose prediabetic. This test also requires you to fast for 8 hours before the test. There are two blood tests taken during the test one is FPG test the other blood test is taken two hours after you drink a 75 g of a sweetened drink. Blood glucose levels between 140 and 199 mg/dl are considered prediabetic. Blood glucose levels above 200 mg/dl are considered to be diabetic.

• Hemoglobin A1C shows the average blood sugar levels in three months. Blood glucose level between 5.7-6.4 % means prediabetic. If the levels are higher than 6.5% you are diabetes.

Treatment

The best physician in Patna will advise you to make some healthy lifestyle choices to reduce your blood sugar levels. They can prescribe medication if you are at a high risk of becoming diabetic.

Some of the lifestyle choices you can make are:-

• Make healthier food choices:- A nutritionist in Patna can help you create a meal plan based on the food you like to eat and that can simultaneously reduce blood glucose levels. The meal plan is formulated based on your overall health, level of physical activity, and dietary preferences.
• Exercise:- Physical activity for about 150 minutes of moderate exercise for 5 days a week. You can try activities such as walking, cycling, and swimming.
• Loose weight:- Reducing 5 to 10% of your weight can reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes. Exercising and making healthier food choices will help lose weight faster.
• Giving up smoking can reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

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