Blood glucose levels above average but not yet high enough to be categorised as type 2 diabetes are the hallmark of prediabetes. If lifestyle adjustments are not made, people are more likely to acquire diabetes. It serves as a warning indicator and is essential to comprehend prediabetes, its risk factors, symptoms and causes to recognise and avoid type 2 diabetes early.
Understanding prediabetes
Prediabetes develops when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin or when the body’s cells become resistant to the effects of insulin. Blood sugar levels are controlled by insulin, allowing glucose to enter cells and give energy. When insulin resistance occurs, blood glucose levels rise, which can cause prediabetes and, if unchecked, type 2 diabetes.
Who is at Risk?
Several factors influence an individual’s probability of getting prediabetes. While the illness can affect everyone, the following populations are more susceptible:
- Obese or overweight people: The body’s capacity to utilise insulin properly is hampered by excess weight.
- A sedentary lifestyle: Insulin resistance and weight growth are influenced by a lack of regular exercise.
- Family history: Prediabetes is higher if a parent or sibling has the disease.
- Age: After the age of 45, in particular, the risk of prediabetes rises.
- Race: Individuals with African, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, or Native American ancestry are more likely to develop prediabetes.
- Diabetes during pregnancy: Women with gestational diabetes are more likely to have prediabetes later in life.
- PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome): PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can lead to insulin resistance and prediabetes.
Symptoms of Prediabetes
Unlike diabetes, prediabetes frequently has no obvious symptoms. The illness may be present in people for years while unaware of it. But some individuals with prediabetes may exhibit the following signs and symptoms:
- frequent urination and increased thirst.
- lack of energy and fatigue.
- Unjustified weight gain or decrease.
- The vision is hazy.
- Recurring illnesses like thrush or urinary tract infections.
For a correct diagnosis, it is imperative to speak with a healthcare provider if these symptoms are present.
Causes of Prediabetes
Prediabetes is a condition that can develop for several reasons. The leading causes are as follows:
- Insulin resistance: When the body’s cells stop responding to the actions of insulin, this condition develops.
- Excess body weight: Being overweight or obese stresses the body’s ability to produce and use insulin, raising the risk of developing prediabetes.
- Lifestyle of inactivity: Lack of exercise causes weight gain and insulin resistance.
- Poor diet: Eating too many processed foods, sweetened beverages, and refined carbs can lead to the onset of prediabetes.
- Genetics: Since some genes can make people more susceptible to insulin resistance, family history affects the likelihood of developing prediabetes.
To delay the emergence of type 2 diabetes, prediabetes is a serious illness that requires attention and aggressive lifestyle adjustments. To better manage one’s health, one must identify the risk factors, comprehend the symptoms, and address the underlying reasons.
