About 88 million American adults are prediabetic, which totals to nearly 1 in 3 people.
Prediabetes is a condition in which individuals have high blood sugar levels, but which are not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes. With November being Diabetes Awareness Month, it is important to discuss the signs and symptoms of prediabetes.
Signs and Symptoms of Prediabetes
One of the signs by which prediabetes first appears is on the skin. When the body begins to develop insulin resistance, darkened areas of skin may begin to appear on your neck, armpits, elbows, knees, or knuckles.
Signs and symptoms of prediabetes include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Excess hunger
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
Additionally, there are a number of risk factors that can increase the likelihood that you develop prediabetes, including but not limited to:
- Aging, especially over age 45
- Eating a lot of processed foods and sugary beverages but not many vegetables or fruits
- Being African American, Native American, Latino, or Pacific Islander
- Being obese
- Not exercising
- Having sleep apnea
When Should I See a Doctor?
It is best to see a doctor if you feel you have prediabetes or have noticed any of the symptoms listed above. You can ask your doctor about getting a blood sugar screening and they will help you determine what the next steps will be.
Treatment
Fortunately, prediabetes is reversible. You and your doctor can create a health plan to implement in your daily life.
Some of the ways that you can best protect yourself from developing prediabetes and even reverse it, include:
- Losing weight
- Eating more fiber and less refined carbohydrates and fats
- Reducing your portion sizes
- Implementing a weekly exercise routine
- Drinking more water
- Eating more vegetables and fruits
- Taking medications if needed
All these are habits you can create and use in your day-to-day lifestyle.
Unidos Contra la Diabetes Is Here for the Community
Even though prediabetes is not considered to be diabetes, it is a condition that deserves your full attention.
At Unidos Contra La Diabetes, we have a deep love and concern for our Rio Grande Valley community. We know the challenges that our community members face, and we want to do our part to help each and everyone lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
If you think you might be prediabetic, don’t be afraid to reach out to us. We offer a wide range of services and resources that can help you minimize your risk of developing this condition, or if you have diabetes, we can support you.
I’ve been experiencing excess hunger and constant fatigue lately, and I’m worried that they might actually indicate that I have prediabetes. It’s good that you mentioned how I can ask my doctor to help me come up with a health plan to implement in my daily life to treat prediabetes. I’ll be sure to inquire about it once I visit the doctor’s office later for a diagnosis.