Prediabetes : Symptoms and Know 5 Treatment Options Today!

Prediabetes can be a sign of type 2 diabetes and escalating blood sugar levels, indicating one to control diet and sugar intake. The state of prediabetes shows that one's sugar level is high but not as high as to qualify as type 2 diabetes. This is the ideal marker for one to be careful of their meals and how much intake of sugar is happening in a day. Lifestyle changes, as well as food habits, exercise and physical activities, can help to reduce blood sugar levels. Here's a detailed insight into prediabetes and the 5 effective measures that can help to reduce blood sugar levels. 

What Is Prediabetes? 

Prediabetes occurs when the blood sugar levels are elevated however, it is not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes. Once you have undermined the symptoms, you will be able to take the necessary precautions. The blood glucose level for a normal individual is around 70 to 99 milligrams per deciliter. However, undiagnosed prediabetes leads to levels of 100 to 125 mg/dL. The state of prediabetes is quite common among individuals these days. 

Prediabetes Symptoms

Prediabetes symptoms are prominent and can be easily diagnosed by the physicians. 

• Darkened skin in the armpit region and around the sides of the neck. 
• Observable skin tags. 
• Retinopathy and different vision-related symptoms. 

Causes of Prediabetes 

The causes of prediabetes coincide with type 2 diabetes, which is mainly due to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a state in which the liver cells and muscle cells do not respond to the production of insulin, and thus, the level of blood glucose escalates. Insulin is produced in the pancreas and helps to break down glucose to release energy in the form of ATP. 

The state of insulin resistance can happen due to genetic reasons, excess body fat, lack of physical activities, or consuming highly processed food, junk, and ones that are rich in carbs. Certain medications include injected long-term steroids. Other hormonal disorders include Cushing's Syndrome, hypothyroidism and chronic stress or lack of sleep which can cause insulin levels to peak. 

Common Risk Factors for Prediabetes 

• A history of diabetes 2 in the family
• Being overweight or obese
• One must engage in activities at least thrice a week
• Being 45 or older makes one prone to type 2 diabetes
• Smoking 
• Sleep apnea
• Gestational diabetes can give way to type 2 diabetes
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (POS)

Complications of Prediabetes 

• Heart attack and strokes
• Eye issues like retinopathy
• Kidney failure
• Nerve damage

5 Prediabetes Treatment And Measures 

Once diagnosed with prediabetes, you can prevent diabetes type 2 up to a certain extent with prediabetes treatment, effective measures and lifestyle changes. 

1. Weight Loss 

Obesity can lead to greater chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Deposition of fat, inability to break down glucose, and accumulation of macromolecules in the body can cause weight gain. Initial prediabetes gradually gives rise to type 2 diabetes. 

2. Exercise Everyday 

Exercising every day can help to reduce the risks of developing blood sugar or prediabetes. Workout aids in the regulation of blood glucose as they are broken down faster to release the energy required during the process of activities and exercises. 

3. Eating Changes 

Consuming carbohydrates in large quantities, especially when there is type 2 resistance in the body, can lead to excess glucose in the blood but ineffective results in the breakdown of glucose to release energy. 

4. Quit Smoking 

Smoking is another raging cause of prediabetes. To control blood glucose levels, one should engage in reducing smoking, if not quitting it all at once. 

5. Handle Sleep Disorder 

Often, sleep disorders like sleep apnea can cause disturbed sleep patterns due to obstruction in breathing and loud snoring. Disturbed sleep leads to hypertension and irritability as one lacks energy and cannot perform work with cognitive efficiency. There is direct contact between sleep disorder, hypertension and developing type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes treatment includes therapies and medications to induce sleep which consequently monitors hypertension and blood pressure. This leads to effective circulation. 

Conclusion

Healthcare providers may recommend oral medications to patients with prediabetes. If they observe the initial stages of insulin resistance and glucose accumulation, they might only suggest lifestyle changes like eating habits and exercise to take care of it. Do not skip and overlook prediabetes symptoms as it can be a marker of underlying genetic disorders like type 2 diabetes, which is just around the corner.