Do you have elevated blood sugar readings that are above normal, but not high enough to be type 2 diabetes? Do you have a parent or a sibling who has diabetes? You may have prediabetes.

What is Prediabetes? 

Prediabetes puts people at a high risk of developing diabetes. When you have prediabetes, the cells in your body do not respond to insulin in a normal manner.

The pancreas, in response, starts making more insulin in an effort to try to get the cells to respond to the increase in the insulin. The pancreas cannot keep up, which leads to an increase in your blood sugar.

Why is Learning about Prediabetes Important? 

Do not think that prediabetes is not important, or that it is an uncommon condition. The majority of people who have type 2 diabetes had prediabetes before they were diagnosed with diabetes. The National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2020 findings indicate that more than 88 million adults in the U.S. have prediabetes.

Most people who have prediabetes are not aware of it. The diagnosis of prediabetes puts you at a higher risk of developing diabetes, and of having complications such as a stroke or a heart attack.

The Good News 

Take action to make lifestyle changes and follow any treatment plan that is prescribed by your doctor. Studies show that losing just five to seven percent of your body weight can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes.

Eating a healthier diet can help you live a healthier life. Receiving a diagnosis of prediabetes does not mean that you will develop diabetes, particularly if you reduce your risks.