Could You Have Prediabetes? Know the Signs

The statistics on diabetes in the United States are concerning. More than 53 million adults or 15.8 percent are affected by diabetes, which is one of the most widespread chronic health conditions in the country.  Of the U.S. adults affected, approximately 38 million are formally diagnosed while another estimated 15 million do not know they have diabetes. [1]

Type 2 diabetes, where the body does not use insulin properly and so glucose builds up in the bloodstream, affects far more people than Type 1, which is a chronic autoimmune disease. With Type 1, the immune system mistakes the body’s own healthy cells as foreign invaders. In response, the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. With the destruction of these cells, the body is unable to produce insulin.

Lack of prediabetes awareness

While many people are familiar with diabetes, more so as it pertains to Type 2 because of its prevalence, a considerable number are not aware of prediabetes, which signals a higher-than-normal blood sugar level. They are not familiar with the long term risks. The development of Type 2 diabetes – estimated to be within five years if not treated – increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and loss of toes, feet or legs.[2]  The estimated number of US adults with prediabetes is 115.2 million. [3]

Testing for prediabetes

Without changes in lifestyle, adults and children with prediabetes have a considerable risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. If a person cannot control blood sugar with the right foods and exercise, they may need medication or insulin to manage it.

A normal blood sugar reading is less than 110 mg/dl; greater than 126 is diabetes. If fasting blood sugar lands somewhere between those numbers, it is considered prediabetes. A simple blood test is the easiest way to determine prediabetes. The AIC test is the most accurate. It determines the percentage of glucose (sugar) that is attached to the hemoglobin in blood. A score of 5.9 and below is considered normal. Anything between 5.7 and 6.4 is considered prediabetes, and 6.4 and above is full-blown diabetes.[4]

Take the prediabetes questionnaire

One of the first steps to prevent prediabetes is to know if you are at risk. To help assess your risk potential. The American Diabetes Association (ADA), the American Medical Association (AMA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Ad Council have created the website DoIHavePrediabetes.org where people can take a short risk test to determine if they may be at risk for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. You can access the test at: https://doihaveprediabetes.org/take-the-risk-test#/

Signs of prediabetes

Without a blood test, it is difficult to determine prediabetes. But there are signs of prediabetes and patterns that can suggest someone has prediabetes or is moving toward it. Among the prediabetes symptoms to look for you should discuss with a health care professional are:

Skin changes: Skin darkened on the armpits or on the back or sides of the neck may be prediabetes symptoms. Skin tags (small benign growths) also may appear in those areas.[5]

Feeling tired: Feeling unusually tired, especially after you eat, can be because your body isn’t processing blood sugar properly. [6]

Unexplained weight loss or gain: Among prediabetes symptoms may be unexplained weight loss or gain, along with increased appetite. [7]

Frequent urination and thirst: Because of excess glucose levels, the kidneys cannot reabsorb all the glucose and return it to the bloodstream. As a result, the excess glucose exits the body through the urine where its presence draws additional water from the blood. This results in increased thirst, which is another one of the prediabetes symptoms. [8]

Low energy: Since the body is less able to utilize sugar from the blood, it can lower energy levels.

Blurry vision: Studies report that 5 percent or more of people with prediabetes have diabetic retinopathy, which happens because elevated blood sugars damage blood vessels in the retina.[9]

Numbness and feet tingling: Prediabetes may lead to the development of neuropathy of feet, toes, and hands.[10]  With numbness, a foot injury, cut or even a blister that could result in an ulcer can go unnoticed. Foot ulcers are a considerable problem for people with diabetes often leading to hospitalization. To prevent skin problems, skin should be clean and dry and moisturize.

Among special skin care for diabetic dry skin is EASE-Z Diabetics’ Dry Skin Therapy Lotion and Diabetics’ Dry Skin Therapy Foot Cream. They are over-the-counter offerings that uniquely feature active Zinc Acetate to relieve and protect dry, cracked skin associated with diabetes. The products cover the skin with a thick protective layer that penetrates to provide real, long lasting-relief.  They are unscented and non-greasy for added comfort. Daily use gives superior recovery and continuous relief, assuring long-lasting comfort.

Tips to prevent onset of Type 2 diabetes

Some of these recommendations are simple changes to your lifestyle to reverse prediabetes before it turns into Type 2 diabetes:

Lose weight – Losing a small amount of weight if you are overweight, means losing about 5 percent to 7 percent of your body weight. That is equal to 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person.[11]

Get active – Get at least two and a half hours (150 minutes) of light aerobic activity every week. This could be as simple as going for a brisk 30-minute walk five days per week. Even 10 minutes at a time add up. [12]

 Eat healthier – Add more vegetables or salads to your meals to make you feel fuller. Avoid frying foods – roast, boil, steam or bake them. Read food labels to know what ingredients are included so you can make more informed choices.

 Quit smoking – Talk with your doctor about treatments or programs that can help you quit smoking to avoid serious health complications that can result from diabetes.

Prediabetes does not have to turn into diabetes Type 2. Work with your medical team and follow the recommendations above and lower your risk.