According to the American Diabetes Association, prediabetes means that your sugar level is above the normal range, but it is not high enough to indicate that you have diabetes.
Among those who have prediabetes and do not take preventive actions, at least 30% develop type 2 diabetes, -when your body does not manufacture or do not use insulin well - within the next five years.
In Chile, the suspicion of Diabetes Mellitus reaches 12.3% of the population, according to the latest national health survey.Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases that affects the way the body uses blood glucose.
But fortunately, the diagnosis of diabetes can be controlled or delayed by handling your blood sugar level with the help of a medical professional.
"The condition can be handled and put under control," says Douglas Barbieri, medical director of Diabetes at Abbott, "and if your glucose levels are within the normal range, with a management of lifestyle, the appearance of type diabetes type2 can be delayed for 3 to 4 years. ”
"Prediabetes is a condition that can be handled with the appropriate changes in your diet and exercise regime," warns the specialist.
Prediabetes: How to handle it
Both in prediabetes and in type 2 diabetes, your body becomes insulin resistant.This means that insulin hormone is not working well to introduce sugar (also called glucose) from your blood to give energy to your cells.According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 4, a higher level of sugar in your blood can take effect in many parts of your body.
A medical professional could request some tests to measure blood sugar and thus determine if you have real prediabetes or diabetes.
Dr. Douglas Barbieri delivers recommendations to control prediabetes and avoid getting diabetes:
Consider lowering 7% of your current weight.It is not necessary to lose too much weight to improve your blood sugar levels.According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and RenaDiabetes.Losing weight works, since it helps your body better use insulin.
A healthy diet can help lose weight if fruits, vegetables, lean proteins such as chicken and turkey without skin are included;Low foods in fat or fat, such as yogurt and milk, and grains such as oatmeal, quinoa and rice.
Start a physical activity routine.Studies have demonstrated the impact of exercise on the blood sugar level again and again.A review published in the Magazine Physical Activity and Health (Journal of Physical Activity & AMP; Health) found that people with prediabetes who started a physically active life managed to make the progression of the disease slower.
Making a quick walk or moderate exercise, such as swimming or riding a bike, can help lower blood sugar levels.Consider performing at least 30 minutes of exercise five days a week, remembering that yes not every exercise is suitable for everyone.
Before committing to physical activity, check with a medical professional how much and what kind of exercise is suitable for you.
Face an imminent diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can be depressing, but before letting negative emotions dominate you, put your energy in making changes that will improve your health.If you have a validated support and information system, you can work proactively for living a better and healthier life.