The Mayo Clinic defines prediabetes as
the condition where a person’s “blood sugar level is higher than normal but not
yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes.” They go on to say that without intervention,
a person is in danger of becoming diabetic in 10 years or less; however, there
are steps you can take to help prevent this from happening.
While it is not known exactly what
causes prediabetes, we do know that family
history and genetics play a significant role. The Mayo Clinic explains that the genetic link
has been confirmed by research with the discovery of some insulin resistant
genes. In addition studies show that excess
fat; especially abdominal fat as well as inactivity are “important
factors in the development of prediabetes.”
The job of glucose (sugar) in our
bodies is to fuel the cells that make up our muscles and other tissues. We get glucose from any food we eat that has
carbohydrates and not just from sweets.
As our food is digested, glucose enters the bloodstream, and “with the
help of insulin, it enters the body's cells where it is utilized as a source of
energy.” For someone who has prediabetes,
it means they have stopped processing glucose properly, and it is building up
in their bloodstream, no longer providing fuel for their cells.
To help prevent prediabetes from
becoming type 2 diabetes, you need to make changes in your lifestyle. A good way to start trying to normalize your
blood sugar levels is to get plenty of physical exercise, make healthier food
choices, and lose weight if you carry a lot of excess body fat.
This
post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with
any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.
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Source:
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prediabetes/basics/symptoms/con-20024420
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