Approximately 84 million American adults have pre diabetes and 90% of those adults don’t even know they have it! Read on to find out the facts and what you can do to stay healthy.
Pre diabetes is a serious health condition. Your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. Pre diabetes puts you at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
If you have any of the following risk factors talk to your doctor about getting your blood sugar tested. The risk factors for pre diabetes include:
Being overweight
Being 45 years or older
Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
Being physically active less than 3 times per week
Ever having diabetes during pregnancy
If you are of African American, Hispanic/LatinoAmerican, American Indian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American decent
Pre diabetes can affect every major organ in the body and people may develop major complications such as kidney disease, eye damage and nerve damage.
It is very possible to prevent pre diabetes from developing into type 2 diabetes. Eating a diet low in sugary food and complex carbohydrates like bread, potatoes and pasta, maintain a healthy weight, and participate in some type of physical activity for 30 minutes per day, 5 times per week will help to get your blood glucose level back to a normal range.
Most importantly talk to your doctor and discuss your risk of developing pre diabetes. Remember, pre diabetes must be taken seriously.
