Pre-diabetes usually affects people over 45, who are overweight or obese, have experienced gestational diabetes (a condition affecting women during pregnancy and that usually disappears after the child’s birth), have high blood pressure, a high cholesterol level or a genetic predisposition of developing this condition. If you are in any of these cases or have symptoms that lead you to believe you may develop diabetes, you should see a doctor right away and make a test which can determine whether or not you have diabetes.
There are two types of test you can perform. If you choose a fasting plasma glucose test, you should know that glucose levels between 99 and 124 mg/dl are considered pre diabetes, while higher levels will indicate the presence of diabetes. Blood glucose levels between 140 and 199 mg/dl, with an oral glucose tolerance test, are considered pre diabetes; higher levels indicate the presence of diabetes.
The symptoms for diabetes are numerous; you may experience part or none of them. They vary between excessive thirst and hunger, sudden weight loss, blurry vision, nausea and vomiting, increased urination, fatigue or abdominal pain. A diabetes test will help you determine whether or not you should be worried; but keep in mind that if you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, you will most likely be able to keep it under control with the aid of a rigorous lifestyle.
The treatment you will be prescribed will probably help you to maintain glucose levels around a normal level. The treatment prescribed to you by the doctor will have improved effects if you also change your eating habits and start having a healthy diet, low in carbohydrates and fat food.
Besides healthy eating habits, exercise will also help; it will keep you fit, as well as contributing to your overall health and increase your immune system. If you have weight problems, it is probably a good idea to loose a few pounds, as there is a great risk for overweight patients to develop diabetes in time. Diabetes and pre-diabetes could also lead to numerous other health problems and complications, such as heart or kidney failure, loss of vision and numerous other serious conditions, some of which may prove lethal.