Understanding Pre-Diabetes
Pre-diabetes means your blood sugar levels are elevated above normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. While you may not notice any symptoms, this condition puts you at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease if left unchecked.
Who Should Be Concerned?
You might want to get tested for pre-diabetes if you fit into any of these categories:
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You are overweight and 45 years or older.
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You’re 45+ with a normal weight—ask your doctor during a routine check-up if testing is needed.
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You are under 45 and overweight.
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You have high blood pressure, low HDL cholesterol, or high triglycerides.
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You have a family history of diabetes.
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You or a family member had gestational diabetes.
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You’ve given birth to a baby weighing over 9 pounds.
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You are part of a high-risk ethnic group, including African American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic/Latino.
Good News: You Can Take Action!
If you find out you have pre-diabetes, don’t worry—there are simple lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes:
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Eat smaller portions to help lower your risk.
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Limit snacking, and if you do snack, choose healthy options instead of sugary treats.
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Drink a glass of water about 10 minutes before meals to curb your appetite.
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Choose whole grains and sugar-free foods whenever possible.
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Increase your physical activity, even small changes like taking the stairs instead of the elevator help.
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Avoid shopping for groceries when hungry to reduce impulse buys of unhealthy foods.
By making these changes, you can significantly lower your chance of progressing from pre-diabetes to type 2 diabetes and protect your overall health.
