Eight warning signs for prediabetes and how to 'reverse' them
Type 2 diabetes affects millions of people in the UK and is a common and complicated health issue. For some people, before their full diagnosis they are told that they have prediabetes due to high levels of blood sugar.
But being prediabetic does not mean a future diagnosis of diabetes is inevitable. And if you've been told you're prediabetic by your GP, there are ways you can prevent and 'reverse' the condition before it gets worse.
Prediabetes is also known as non-diabetic hyperglycaemia. Your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and having a stroke increase with this serious health condition.
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Prediabetes indicates that your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not quite high enough to be considered diabetes. It doesn't usually present any symptoms, so it's difficult to identify before it progresses into the diagnosable diabetic range, but there are some indicators to watch out for, Surrey Live reports.
Family history and genetics are significant risk factors for the condition, but its exact causes are unknown. The Mayo Clinic has identified several warning signs of prediabetes that could help you know when it's time to see your GP.
Excessive thirst and frequent urination: When your blood sugar levels are high, your kidneys have to work harder to filter out excess glucose.
Extreme tiredness: Fluctuating blood sugar levels can cause fatigue.
Having blurry vision: Changes in blood sugar levels can affect your eyesight.
Increased hunger: Also known as polyphagia, feeling hungry more than usual is an indicator of the condition.
Unexplained weight loss: This can be an early warning sign of prediabetes, especially if you're eating more.
Slow healing of cuts and wounds: Nerves and blood vessels can be damaged due to high blood sugar, impairing blood circulation and healing.
Darkened skin: This can appear on the neck, armpits, and groin.
Skin tags: While harmless, having many skin tags may be a sign of prediabetes.
Having your blood tested is the only way to know if you're prediabetic. But having this condition doesn't mean type 2 diabetes is unavoidable. By making necessary lifestyle changes, you may be able to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Things you can do to lower your risk of developing diabetes are:
Losing weight by avoiding added sugar and refined carbohydrates such as white rice, white bread and pasta
Eating healthily and limiting portion size
Exercising regularly
Drinking plenty of water
Getting sufficient sleep
Limiting alcohol
Quitting smoking
Cutting out sugars
Eating more fibre and limiting saturated fats
The aim of these lifestyle changes is to control blood sugar levels to the point where you don't need medication. This is referred to as Type 2 diabetes remission, meaning your blood sugar levels fall below the diabetes range and you no longer require medication such as insulin.
The NHS spends at least £10billion a year on diabetes which is about 10 per cent of its entire budget. Almost 80 per cent of the money the NHS spends on diabetes is on treating complications.
And its possible to control your blood sugar levels even after a diagnosis of diabetes. Diabetes UK says there are known cases of individuals who have successfully put their diabetes into remission many years post-diagnosis. If you require assistance with this process, a useful guide is available on the Diabetes UK website.
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