Prediabetes - Symptoms, Treatment, Dietary Changes, and Management

Complete Guide to Prediabetes: Symptoms and Effective Treatments

The high prevalence of prediabetes around the world, including in India, has become a public health concern. As lifestyles are becoming sedentary and diets are rising in refined carbohydrates and sugars, impaired glucose tolerance has skyrocketed.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), over 101 million people in India have diabetes, and another 136 million are estimated to be prediabetic. This guide offers a clear understanding of what is prediabetes, how it can be managed, and the steps individuals can take to prevent progression to type 2 diabetes.

Read ahead to get a better insight.

What is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a condition in which your blood sugar is higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. It is a sign that the body is having trouble turning glucose into energy.

Untreated prediabetes can progress into type 2 diabetes and result in a higher risk of heart disease, stroke and other health complications.

What are the Prediabetes Range and Sugar Levels?

Prediabetes sugar level is diagnosed based on the following criteria (as per the American Diabetes Association [ADA] and adopted by Indian guidelines like RSSDI):

What are the Symptoms of Prediabetes?

Since prediabetes can develop undetected, people who are overweight, live a sedentary lifestyle or have a family history of diabetes should get regular screenings. However, some people may experience the following symptoms:

• A feeling of slightly increased appetite or thirst.
• A sense of tiredness.
• Urinating more often (especially if blood sugar continues to rise)
• Having blurry vision or injuries that take a long time to heal.
• Dark patches (acanthosis nigricans) around the neck can be a sign that someone has insulin resistance.

While prediabetes symptoms are generally similar across genders, symptoms of prediabetes in females may be more prevalent or have unique implications, such as:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Women with PCOS tend to have more issues with insulin, making them more likely to develop prediabetes.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels can lead to insulin sensitivity.
• Unusual Weight Gain: Frequently increasing body fat in the abdomen is a sign linked to insulin resistance.

Awareness of these gender-specific factors can aid in early diagnosis and management.

What are the Treatments for Prediabetes?

The primary approach to prediabetes treatment involves lifestyle modifications, which include:

• Dietary Changes : Follow a diet that mainly includes whole grains, plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats.
• Regular Physical Activity : Spend at least 150 minutes each week doing moderate-intensity exercises. Losing 5-10% of your body weight could significantly lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

If diet and exercise alone are not enough to manage blood sugar, healthcare workers could prescribe medications like metformin to help control it.

What is a Prediabetes Diet?

A prediabetes diet focuses on stabilizing blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity. Key dietary recommendations include:

• Complex Carbohydrates: Ensure you eat whole grains rather than refined grains.
• Fibre-Rich Foods: Consume legumes, fruits and vegetables to keep glucose from rising quickly.
• Healthy Fats: Try to include foods such as nuts, seeds and olive oil in your diet.
• Portion Control: Be aware of the large portions, which help prevent overeating.
• Limit Added Sugars: Reduce sugar and processed foods to manage your blood sugar level.
• Lean Proteins: Eat chicken, turkey, fish, tofu and legumes to help keep your muscles and stomach full.
• Prioritize Whole Foods: Instead of choosing refined carbohydrates, eat quinoa, brown rice and whole wheat bread.

You should also avoid drinking sugar-filled drinks, eating processed dishes and snacking on high-sugar foods.

What are Prediabetes Self-Care?

Managing prediabetes through self-care can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Here are some effective strategies to manage prediabetes:

• Monitor Blood Sugar: Routinely review progress to help make effective decisions.
• Manage Stress: Activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises may help lower blood sugar levels when one is stressed.
• Get Adequate Sleep: Get 7-9 hours of high-quality sleep every night to benefit your metabolism.
• Manage Weight: Losing 5-10% of body weight can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.
• Avoid Tobacco and Alcohol: Avoid tobacco and alcohol sinceboth can reduce sensitivity to insulin.

These habits contribute to overall well-being and aid in preventing the progression to diabetes.

How to Control Prediabetes?

Controlling prediabetes involves a multifaceted approach, which involves:

• Regular Exercise: Both aerobic and resistance exercises should be included in your routine.
• Healthy Eating: Try to eat a combination of foods listed in the outline.
• Weight Loss: If you are overweight, try achieving your weight loss in a steady, sustainable way.
• Regular Health Check-ups: Always check your blood sugar and meet regularly with doctors to discuss your health.

Consistency in these areas is key to managing and potentially reversing prediabetes.

How Long Does It Take to Reverse Prediabetes?

The time required to reverse prediabetes varies among individuals. With dedicated lifestyle changes, some people may normalize their blood sugar levels within a few months, while others may take longer. Factors influencing this reversal include the following:

• Initial Blood Sugar Levels: Higher levels may require more time to normalize.
• Adherence to Lifestyle Changes: Consistency in diet, exercise, and other habits accelerates progress.
• Individual Metabolic Factors: Age, genetics, and other health conditions also play a key role.

Regular monitoring and consultation with healthcare providers can help track progress and adjust strategies as needed.

Prediabetes is a critical warning sign, but with informed choices and proactive management, it is possible to prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes. Routine screenings are crucial, particularly for individuals with known risk factors. If you suspect you may have prediabetes, consult a healthcare professional for appropriate testing and guidance.

Thus, it is also essential to have health insurance to secure your health and finances during critical times. At Star Health, we offer coverage for prediabetes under our Star Diabetes Safe Health Insurance Policy. We also provide hassle-free claim settlements with reduced turnaround time across over 14,000 network hospitals in India.