Did you know that one in five healthy people can have pre diabetes according to a study.

As of 2021, India alone is home to 101 million diabetics and 136 million pre diabetic.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 3 adults in the United States have prediabetes.

Shockingly, 84% of individuals with pre-diabetes are unaware of their condition!

Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing prediabetes.

These include being overweight or obese, having a family history of diabetes, leading a sedentary lifestyle, and having high blood pressure or cholesterol levels.

Ignoring these early symptoms could lead to the development of type 2 diabetes, which can have serious health consequences.

Pre-diabetes is a ticking bomb, it’s chronic. You don’t get it overnight.

It typically stems from poor habits like consuming refined carbohydrates and added sugars.

As a result, the pancreas releases excessive insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.

However, over time, cells become resistant to insulin, causing blood sugar levels to remain elevated.

*Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination:

Feeling constantly thirsty, even after drinking fluids, indicates the body’s attempt to eliminate excess sugar through urination.

High blood sugar levels prompt the kidneys to produce more urine to expel the sugar from the body, leading to frequent urges to urinate.

Depending on blood sugar levels, fluid may even be drawn from tissues, dehydrating the body and intensifying thirst.

The increased fluid intake due to dehydration results in more frequent urination.

*Blurred Vision:

It’s  another symptoms of pre diabetes that can’t be overlooked.

It may manifest as a temporary issue caused by elevated blood sugar levels.

High blood sugar can lead to swelling of the lens in the eye, affecting vision.

Persistent high blood sugar levels can contribute to the development of various eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, which involves damage to the retina.

Additionally, conditions such as macular edema, glaucoma, and cataracts may arise if blood sugar levels are not adequately managed.

These eye complications underscore the importance of controlling blood sugar levels to preserve vision health.

*Darkened Skin Patches:

This can develop as a result of pre-diabetes and high blood sugar levels.

This condition is known as acanthosis nigricans.

Acanthosis nigricans typically appears as dark, thickened patches of skin, often with a velvety texture, and commonly occurs in areas such as the neck, armpits, groin, and skin folds.

Acanthosis nigricans is often associated with insulin resistance, which is a hallmark of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Insulin resistance causes an increase in insulin levels in the blood, which can stimulate the growth of skin cells and lead to the development of darkened patches.

It’s important to note that acanthuses nigerians can also occur in individuals who are not diabetic but may have other underlying health conditions or risk factors, such as obesity or hormonal disorders.

However, its presence should prompt evaluation for potential insulin resistance and pre-diabetes or diabetes, especially if other symptoms or risk factors are present.

*Tingling or Numbness:

Tingling or numbness in  the hands and feet can develop as a result of pre-diabetes and high blood sugar levels.

This condition is known as peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when prolonged high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels and nerves, particularly those in the extremities such as the hands and feet.

This damage disrupts the normal functioning of the nerves, leading to sensations of tingling, numbness, burning, or pain in affected areas.

Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of both pre-diabetes and diabetes, especially when blood sugar levels are poorly controlled over time.

It’s important to monitor and manage blood sugar levels to help prevent or delay the onset of peripheral neuropathy and other complications associated with diabetes.

*Fatigue:

Where a person feels unusually tired or fatigued, even after getting enough rest, can be a sign of insulin resistance, a common precursor to pre-diabetes.

*Unwanted Weight Gain:

Its particularly around the abdomen or waistline, may be a sign of insulin resistance and an increased risk of developing pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.

If you suspect you may have pre-diabetes, several diagnostic tests can help confirm the condition.

The best test that you should get done is HbA1c.

Hb, or Hemoglobin, is a protein found in your red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen.

When glucose in your blood attaches to hemoglobin, it forms glycated hemoglobin (A1c).

As you consume more sugar and refined carbohydrates, leading to increased glucose levels in your blood, more hemoglobin becomes coated with glucose.

The A1c test measures the percentage of red blood cells that have glycated hemoglobin, providing an average of your blood glucose levels over the past three months.

While most health authorities suggest getting this test done every three years, I strongly recommend an annual checkup.

If you’re overweight, obese, or have excess belly fat, schedule your test immediately after reading this article

Ideally, your A1c levels should be less than 5.7%.

Anything between 5.7% and 6.5% indicates prediabetes, while levels above 6.5% signify type 2 diabetes.

Recognizing the early warning signs and symptoms of prediabetes is crucial for taking control of your health.

By understanding the importance of early detection, knowing the risk factors, and making necessary lifestyle changes, you can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals are all vital components of managing prediabetes.

Remember, small steps can lead to significant improvements in your health, so don’t ignore the warning signs.

Take charge of your health today and safeguard your wellbeing for the future.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be creating dozens of article on Insulin Resistance and related condition like pre diabetes and diabetes.

The overall focus will not be on Hormone health which includes the key hormones like oestrogen, testosterone, growth hormone, cortisol.

You will find articles on Estrogen dominance, male or female infertility, PCOS, PMS, adrenal fatigue, cortisol belly, thyroid issues and much more.

Thank you for your time.

Stay health, stay faboulous!