November is National Diabetes Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about one of the most common – and preventable – health challenges in the United States. Most people associate diabetes with managing insulin, avoiding sugar, or living with type 2 diabetes, but often overlooked is the in-between stage: prediabetes.
More than 98 million American adults, or roughly 1 in 3, have prediabetes, yet over 80% of them don’t know it. That means millions of people are walking around with blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as diabetes, without realizing their future health is at risk.
Prediabetes doesn’t always come with symptoms or warning signs. You may feel perfectly healthy and still have blood sugar levels that are quietly creeping upward. The silver lining is that with early detection, lifestyle changes, and proper medical support, prediabetes can often be reversed, preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes altogether.
What Is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes occurs when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. It’s a warning sign that your body is starting to have trouble managing blood sugar effectively, and an opportunity to take action before serious complications develop.
Why Prediabetes Matters
Prediabetes doesn’t always cause symptoms, so it can progress silently for years. Without intervention, many people with prediabetes will go on to develop type 2 diabetes within five years. Once type 2 diabetes develops, the risks grow dramatically, including higher chances of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision loss.
Even though prediabetes may feel like a “gray area,” it’s actually one of the most powerful opportunities for prevention. Taking action now can help protect your long-term health and even extend your lifespan.
Who Is at Risk?
While anyone can develop prediabetes, certain factors increase your likelihood, including:
- Being overweight or obese
- Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
- Being 45 years or older
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle
- Having high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels
- Having a history of gestational diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
If you check even one of these boxes, it’s worth getting screened. A simple blood test can tell you where you stand.
Subtle Signs to Watch Out For
Prediabetes often has no clear symptoms, which is why so many people are unaware they have it. However, some may notice:
- Increased thirst or hunger
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Blurred vision
If you recognize any of these signs or have risk factors, ask your healthcare provider for a simple blood test to check your glucose levels.
How to Reduce Your Risk
The most effective way to prevent type 2 diabetes is by adopting healthy habits:
Lose a small amount of weight. If you are overweight, shedding even 5-7% of your body weight can dramatically reduce risk.
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. That’s just 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Walking, swimming, dancing, or cycling all count.
Eat balanced meals that involve fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and whole grains. Limit sugary drinks and refined carbs.
Don’t smoke and limit alcohol intake.
Last but not lease, work with your healthcare team. Regular monitoring and preventive care can help you stay on track.
How Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology Can Help
If you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology and discover how our diabetes services and other endocrinology therapies can help you lead a full and active life, please contact us at (512) 458-8400 or request an appointment online.
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