What is prediabetes?
And how do I know if I am Prediabetic?
What does it mean to be prediabetic?
A diagnosis of prediabetes is made when the levels of sugar in your blood have reached a certain range (42-47 mmol/mol). If this is not addressed it is very common to progress to a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes (48> mmol/mol).
Type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for many of the chronic diseases we face today and therefore comes at an increased risk of serious health concerns. These include nerve damage, kidney problems, vision loss and blindness, for instance.
How do I know if I am prediabetic?
Firstly, a diagnosis of prediabetes is an opportunity to reverse high blood sugar levels and, as a result, take back control of your health and wellbeing.
If you are unsure if you have prediabetes, there are a few signs you can be aware of. Additionally, understanding these signals in the body and being proactive allows you to make the necessary changes to improve your metabolic health. As a result, it can also empower you in your journey towards health.
Secondly, it’s important to note many people will be unaware that they are prediabetic. Some may put fatigue down to getting older or being less active because of the pandemic, for example.
So, getting an HbA1c test from your Doctor will give you this information and, therefore, build awareness around areas of your health that could be improved.
Symptoms and Contributing Factors
- Constant tiredness and fatigue
- Brain fog
- Being overweight
- Age 45 and above
- High blood pressure
- Low HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides
- Diabetes UK waist of higher than 31.5 inches for women and 37 inches for men
- Family history and genetics
- Being of South Asian descent and male puts you at higher risk
Moreover, certain lifestyle choices can also influence whether a person is more at risk of prediabetes.
For example:
- A sedentary lifestyle with little to no exercise
- Diet: eating high levels of sugars including refined carbohydrates
Lastly, and most importantly, understand that these symptoms may be nothing to worry about and could be the effects of certain lifestyle choices. However, if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your GP.