Understanding Prediabetes: Steps to Prevent Diabetes

Nowadays, when lifestyle diseases are becoming increasingly prevalent, Prediabetes is considered to be a condition when blood sugar levels are higher but not higher enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. It’s a wake-up call, a chance to take action before it’s too late. While Prediabetes is also not good, at least it allows you to act to prevent Prediabetes from progressing into full-blown diabetes.

According to WHO, with a proactive approach and lifestyle modification, it is possible to manage Prediabetes and prevent the condition from progressing to diabetes. So, what exactly are those factors that help prevent diabetes and lead a healthier life? Let’s find it in the blog below.

Understanding Prediabetes:

Before jumping to find the solution to prevent diabetes, it is essential to understand Prediabetes. It is a condition that falls between normal blood sugar levels and type 2 Diabetes. Often characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, the condition, if left unaddressed, can progress into full-blown diabetes. And the key to prevention lies in early detection and proactive lifestyle changes.

Prediabetes Vs Diabetes:

If we put it in simple words, prediabetes is a condition where your blood sugar levels are higher but lower than falling in the diabetes range. The condition serves as a reminder to take preventive action before diabetes develops, while diabetes is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management.

What are the risk factors that put you in the situation?

Risk Factors For Prediabetes:

• Age: Your age is a major factor that increases your risk of being diagnosed with Prediabetes or diabetes.
• Having a Family History: If anyone in your family, be it a mother, father, or sibling, has diabetes, it increases your risks, and being proactive is essential to monitor your condition.
• Obesity: Being overweight is another factor that increases your risk for Prediabetes. Therefore, shedding extra pounds is always suggested to prevent the condition.
• Inactive Lifestyle: Not following an active lifestyle is another major risk factor that increases your risk for Prediabetes. So, it is essential to pursue an active routine.
• Poor Diet: Unhealthy or poor dietary choices can also influence your blood sugar levels, leading to a high risk of Prediabetes.
• Gestational Diabetes: Moreover, a history of gestational diabetes also increases your risk for Prediabetes or diabetes.
• Existing Health Condition: Individuals with ongoing health conditions are also at higher risk of Prediabetes.

Whether you fall in the risk factor category or not, being proactive, considering routine diabetes screening, and taking preventive measures do not harm and can benefit your health.

But the question is, is there any way one can prevent it?

Like we said before, yes, with lifestyle modifications, we can prevent the condition from progressing into diabetes. But how? Let’s find it from the points below:

Steps to Prevent Diabetes When You Are Prediabetic:

• Know Your Number: No, we are not talking about the numbers you got in the exams or your phone number; we are talking about numbers of blood glucose and HbA1c levels. These numbers unlock the secrets of your health and help you understand where you stand on Prediabetes. Knowing your blood sugar levels or finding if you are in the prediabetes range allows you to be proactive and take immediate action to safeguard your health.
• Cut Your Carb Intake: Do you know that cutting carb intake could be the key to unlocking a healthier and more vibrant life? No, we are not talking about cutting carbs from your diet, but it is essential to be mindful of the types and amounts to prevent diabetes.
• Get Adequate Sleep: Quality sleep is the key that has an immediate impact on blood sugar levels. Therefore, you should aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep to regulate metabolism and insulin sensitivity, reducing your risks for diabetes.
• Shed Excess Body Weight: Since obesity is one major factor that increases your risk for diabetes, maintaining a healthy body weight is essential. So, if you are overweight and have excess fat, particularly around your abdominal area, lose weight, as having a balanced body weight can help prevent diabetes to a possible extent.
• Follow A Fiber-Rich Diet: Filling: A Fiber-Friendly diet helps you attain your weight loss goals, ensuring lesser risks for diabetes. So, make sure the food on your plate is high in fiber and low in calories and carbohydrates, preventing spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, which may reduce your risks for diabetes.
• Drink Water: Make water your primary drink, and we promise you will not regret it. Besides ensuring a glow on your face and helping you stay hydrated, it enables you to control blood sugar, thereby lowering your risk for diabetes.
• Exercise Daily: Being physically active is another step that can help you reduce insulin insensitivity, reducing your risk for diabetes. Start with light exercise and gradually moderate your routine following expert advice and as per your health requirements.
• Watch Your Portions: Large portion size has been shown to cause higher blood sugar in people with a higher risk of diabetes. Being careful about your portion size and avoiding too much eating at once can help you reduce your risks for diabetes.
• Cut Back On Sedentary Lifestyle: Sedentary behavior can lead to several health problems, and diabetes is no different. Therefore, if you want to prevent your risk of diabetes, you should lead an active lifestyle. Set realistic and achievable goals to keep yourself physically active and minimize your risks for diabetes.
• Regular Monitoring & Support: Lastly, keeping track of changes in your blood sugar levels is essential to manage the blood sugar levels and minimize risks for diabetes. Therefore, you should consider a routine diabetes screening package to monitor changes in blood sugar levels and take charge of your health today.

Conclusion:

Remember, Prediabetes is the period before diabetes is diagnosed, which can be reversed by making simpler lifestyle changes. Understanding what can be done to avoid diabetes can help you work early and embrace lifestyle changes with all your heart. Remember, with lifestyle choices and routine testing, you can minimize your risks for diabetes and save yourself from complications.

For Regular Blood Sugar Screening, Reach Redcliffe Labs!

As the best Omnichannel Pan India Diagnostic Service Provider, Redcliffe Labs is the platform to book routine Diabetes Profile - Essential to get tested at home. Besides ensuring precise testing, we promise accurate reports available at your fingertips. Getting routinely tested helps diagnose Prediabetes, allowing early intervention and timely treatment for better care and management of the condition.

So, don’t wait; start your journey to a healthier and diabetes-free life today.