Welcoming our lovely readers to our weekly health diaries column where we delve into various disease-related topics simplifying complex concepts for our readers.
Diabetes does not always appear suddenly. For many people, the body gives an early warning: Prediabetes. It is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, many people have prediabetes without knowing it because it often causes no obvious symptoms.
People with prediabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as well as heart disease and stroke.
The good news is that prediabetes is a chance to act before diabetes develops. Testing is important, particularly for people who have risk factors such as being overweight, having a family history of type 2 diabetes, having high blood pressure, or having previously had diabetes during pregnancy.
A simple blood test called HbA1c can help identify prediabetes. It reflects a person’s average blood sugar over approximately the previous three months.
So what can someone do after being told they have prediabetes? Start with lifestyle changes. Eat more vegetables, whole grains, legumes and other nutritious foods while reducing excessive sugary drinks, highly processed foods and oversized portions. Regular physical activity is equally important. Even activities such as brisk walking can make a meaningful difference. For people who are overweight, losing a modest amount of weight can substantially reduce the risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes.
Prediabetes should therefore be viewed not simply as a diagnosis, but as an opportunity. It is the body’s warning that action is needed while there is still time to change the course.
