The discussion around prediabetes has taken a significant turn for Americans.
Recently, the American School of Lifestyle Medicine unveiled its First Clinical Practice Guidelines, which emphasize the importance of lifestyle changes in managing type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.
These guidelines serve as a detailed resource for healthcare providers, encouraging them to integrate lifestyle modifications as a fundamental part of treatment. This approach aligns well with existing diabetes care frameworks.
So, what exactly is prediabetes? What should you watch out for? And, importantly, what are the potential complications, both short- and long-term, for those with prediabetes?
What is prediabetes? Where does it stem from?
Prediabetes is a warning sign for developing type 2 diabetes. It occurs when an individual’s blood sugar levels are elevated but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis.
The American Diabetes Association indicates that 45-year-olds with prediabetes face a 10-year risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes, estimated between 9% and 14%.
It’s estimated that around 84 million adults in the U.S. are living with prediabetes, and shockingly, more than 80% of them are unaware of their condition.
What triggers symptoms and leads to prediabetes?
Interestingly, most individuals with prediabetes don’t exhibit symptoms. However, certain signs, like skin tags or changes in the eyes, can be telltale indicators, particularly in people with darker skin tones.
The primary culprit behind prediabetes seems to be insulin resistance. This happens when the body’s muscle, fat, and liver cells become less responsive to insulin—a hormone crucial for regulating blood glucose levels.
A mixture of genetics, excess body weight, particular fat accumulation, lack of physical activity, and a diet rich in processed foods and saturated fats can all elevate the risk of becoming insulin resistant.
What complications can arise from prediabetes?
The main risk associated with prediabetes is the potential development of type 2 diabetes itself, which can lead to a variety of health issues.
Other serious complications might include heart attacks, strokes, vision impairment, kidney dysfunction, and nerve damage.
While prediabetes can often be reversed through lifestyle changes, it’s important to note that reversing the complications associated with full-blown diabetes is generally much more difficult.
