I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 55 following several months of declining health, but without any awareness of the fact that there was a condition called prediabetes that would have been a warning. If I had taken a prediabetes test, and scheduled a medical check-up, my quality of life now could have been much better.
Prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. It serves as a warning sign, indicating that the body is having difficulty regulating blood sugar effectively. The good news is that prediabetes is reversible with early intervention, including lifestyle and dietary changes. Recognizing the signs and understanding when to get tested are crucial steps in preventing the progression to type 2 diabetes.
Higher Risks For Black Americans
Black Americans are at a significantly higher risk of developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes compared to other racial and ethnic groups. This disparity is due to a combination of genetic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors that contribute to higher rates of insulin resistance and metabolic disorders.
My diagnosis of type 2 diabetes lead to various disabilities due to chronic complications, including nerve damage, kidney damage, vision problems, and foot problems leading to below-the-knee (BTK) amputations and reduced mobility.
My motivation for writing this post and speaking about diabetes is to help other Black Americans to avoid developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes through healthy lifestyle changes.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Prediabetes
Many people with prediabetes do not experience noticeable symptoms. However, some warning signs can indicate an increased risk:
- Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination: Elevated blood sugar levels can cause excessive thirst and a frequent need to urinate.
- Fatigue: Insulin resistance can make it harder for the body to use glucose for energy, leading to tiredness.
- Blurred Vision: High blood sugar can affect the lenses of the eyes, leading to vision disturbances.
- Slow Healing of Wounds: Elevated glucose levels can impair the body’s ability to heal wounds and fight infections.
- Darkened Skin Patches: A condition called acanthosis nigricans can cause dark, velvety patches on areas such as the neck, armpits, and groin.
- Increased Hunger: Insulin resistance can prevent glucose from entering cells properly, leading to persistent hunger.
Who Should Get Tested?
Anyone can develop prediabetes, but certain risk factors increase the likelihood:
- Being overweight or obese
- Having a sedentary lifestyle
- Being 45 years older
- Having a family history of diabetes
- Having high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels
- Experiencing gestational diabetes during pregnancy
- Having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
If you have one or more of these risk factors, it’s important to talk to your doctor about getting tested. The most common tests for prediabetes include the A1C test, fasting blood sugar test, and oral glucose tolerance test.
Diabetes Prevention and Next Steps
The best way to prevent prediabetes from progressing to type 2 diabetes is to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Key strategies include:
- Maintaining Healthy Weight: Even a modest weight loss of 5-10% can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes.
- Eating a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich foods while minimizing processed and sugary foods.
- Increasing Physical Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, each week.
- Managing Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to insulin resistance, so practices like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can be beneficial.
- Regular Health Check-ups: Monitoring blood sugar levels and other health indicators can help detect and manage prediabetes early.
Key Takeaway
Prediabetes is a warning sign that should not be ignored. Since symptoms are often subtle or nonexistent, those at risk should proactively seek testing. Early detection allows for lifestyle changes that can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. If you have risk factors or notice warning signs, consult your healthcare provider to discuss testing and preventive measures.
Do you have a mother, father, sister, or brother with diabetes? A family history of diabetes could contribute to your risk for type 2 diabetes.
Take the Prediabetes Risk Test https://www.cdc.gov/prediabetes/risktest/index.html
Trusted Resource
CDC: Prediabetes – Your Chance to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention-type-2/prediabetes-prevent-type-2.html#:~:text=What%20is%20prediabetes%3F,%2C%20heart%20disease%2C%20and%20stroke.
