One in every three American adults has prediabetes. If that isn’t shocking enough, 84% of these people are not even aware that they have it. Now you must be wondering if you belong in that number. If you have some doubts about your overall health, you should visit one of your trusted NJ doctors to assess your health. But in the meantime, read on to find out the truth about prediabetes that you might not know about:
With the number of people with prediabetes, it’s a wonder so many don’t have the right information about it. Let’s get the truth about it right away – Prediabetes can still be reversed. You can follow some measures to prevent or at least delay its progress into Type 2 Diabetes. And what you need is to do is make some lifestyle changes.
Prediabetes Shouldn’t Be Taken Lightly
Some people make the mistake of taking that “pre” prefix as something that makes this condition somewhat light and nothing to worry about. Prediabetes is a serious condition. Your blood sugar levels are higher than they should be, which means you are at a higher risk of getting Type 2 diabetes, as well as other related concerns like stroke and heart disease.
Prediabetes Is Often Undetected
The problem with prediabetes is that it could be going on for years, and the person who hasn’t doesn’t even realize it because there are no distinct symptoms. They’ll only start to wonder about their health when serious symptoms manifest. That is why it is important to get regular general checkups with a physician who can check your blood sugar level. This is crucial, especially if you are:
- Overweight
- 45 years old and above
- From a family with a history of Diabetes
- Had gestational diabetes
- A part of a race or ethnicity that has a higher risk factor for it (African Americans, Latin Americans, American Indians, Pacific Islanders, Asian Americans)
Diabetes Is Harder to Manage Than Prediabetes
While those with prediabetes are already at a higher risk of complications, they don’t have to deal with serious health problems associated with diabetes yet. Diabetes can affect all the major organs of the body. Many people with diabetes develop kidney failure, nerve damage, and blindness, among others. They are also at a higher risk of depression.
Prediabetes Should Mean Prevent Diabetes
Think of prediabetes as that crucial point where you have to decide what road you should take – one means you can eat anything you want and keep your current lifestyle, but at its end would be Type 2 Diabetes. The other means you’ll have to adjust to a new lifestyle, give up some of your favorite foods, get more active, but you’ll be rewarded with better health.
It’s up to you which one you choose, but you should know that the changes you need to make in your life are not that hard! Sure, it might be challenging at the beginning, but you can adjust to it eventually. Also, losing even just a modest amount of weight through proper diet and exercise can reduce your risk significantly. Even losing as little as 5% or 7% of your current body weight can make a huge difference. It is recommended that you get at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week. Incorporating a 30-minute walk into your daily schedule may be the very thing to keep Type 2 diabetes at bay.
Of course, you should consult with reputable NJ doctors who can guide you as to what lifestyle changes you should make and could make recommendations to ensure that your prediabetes doesn’t develop into Type 2 diabetes.
If you are looking for reliable physicians in North Bergen, New Jersey, who can assess your health and help you get started with a healthier lifestyle, Choose Garden State Medical Group. Our board-certified doctors and specialists cater to different types of diseases and follow an approach that focuses more on prevention and management. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!