Understanding Pre-Diabetes: Symptoms, Risk & Prevention

According to the American Diabetes Association, pre-diabetes occurs when a person has abnormally high blood sugar levels but not high enough to be diagnosed for full blown diabetes. Pre-diabetics can often take steps to prevent full blown diabetes.

Blood Test

• A fasting blood sugar test needs to be completed by your doctor for a proper diagnosis of pre-diabetes or diabetes. Do not eat for at least 12 hours before the test.

Normal Blood Sugar

• Normal fasting blood sugar range is from 70 mg/dl to 99 mg/dl.

Abnormal Blood Sugar

• Pre-diabetes fasting blood sugar levels range from 100 mg/dl to 126 mg/dl. Above 126 mg/dl, a doctor may give a diagnosis of full blown diabetes. Those with pre-diabetes need to take action with their diet, exercise and weight loss because they are already suffering adverse health effects from glucose intolerance.

Diet

• For a pre-diabetic, a healthy diet with lower fat and carbohydrates can delay or prevent the onset of diabetes.

Exercise

• Daily exercise of 30 minutes helps to ward off diabetes. A brisk walk or other moderate physical activity is a good start.

Weight Loss

• According to the American Diabetes Association, a 10 percent weight loss leads to a significant reduction in risk of full blown diabetes for pre-diabetics.