Prediabetes signs.

Prediabetes signs & management

🟣 What is prediabetes?

➟ Prediabetes means blood sugar is higher than normal, but not high enough to be called diabetes.

➟ It usually happens because the body is becoming insulin resistant.

➟ Many people with prediabetes have no clear symptoms, so blood tests are important.

🟣 Possible signs

➟ Often there are no symptoms.

➟ Increased belly fat or weight gain may be present.

➟ Tiredness, food cravings, or sleepiness after meals may occur in some people.

➟ Dark, velvety skin around the neck, armpits, or groin may suggest insulin resistance.

➟ Frequent urination, excessive thirst, blurry vision, or unexplained weight loss may suggest diabetes and needs checking.

🟣 How it is diagnosed

➟ Fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, or oral glucose tolerance test may be used.

➟ HbA1c in the prediabetes range is usually 5.7% to 6.4%.

➟ Fasting blood sugar in the prediabetes range is usually 100 to 125 mg/dL.

🟣 Why it matters

➟ Prediabetes increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.

➟ It can also increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

➟ The good news is that lifestyle changes can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.

🟣 Management

➟ Lose 5 to 7% body weight if overweight. Even small weight loss can improve insulin resistance.

➟ Do at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, such as brisk walking.

➟ Add strength training 2 to 3 days per week if safe for you.

➟ Eat more vegetables, pulses, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and protein-rich foods.

➟ Reduce sugary drinks, sweets, refined carbs, frequent snacking, and ultra-processed foods.

➟ Sleep well and manage stress, because poor sleep and stress can worsen sugar control.

➟ Monitor HbA1c, fasting sugar, BP, cholesterol, waist size, and weight as advised.

🟣 When medicines may be needed

➟ Some high-risk people may be advised medicine such as metformin.

➟ This may be considered if there is obesity, previous gestational diabetes, PCOS, rising sugar levels, or high diabetes risk.

➟ Medicine should always be taken only after medical advice.

🟣 See a doctor if

➟ You have family history of diabetes, belly fat, PCOS, fatty liver, high BP, high triglycerides, or low HDL.

➟ You had diabetes during pregnancy.

➟ You develop excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurry vision, repeated infections, slow wound healing, or unexplained weight loss.

Medical disclaimer: This information is for general awareness only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor for proper diagnosis, testing, and treatment.