Diabetes is the fifth-leading cause of death by disease. India is called “The world capital of diabetes” due to the magnitude of the problem.
We need to focus more on people who have “Prediabetes” to reduce the mortality and complication caused by diabetes. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that is mainly caused by obesity, unhealthy and inactive lifestyle. In Diabetes the body is unable to store and use energy from food which we consume. Being physically inactive and eating unhealthy food are primary causes of diabetes. It is a long-term condition which causes high or unstable blood sugar levels in the body.
The disease lasts a lifetime and is usually progressive in nature, but can be managed by taking regular medication, choosing an active lifestyle and maintaining proper body weight.
How is Prediabetes different from Diabetes?
Pre-diabetes is a condition of elevated blood glucose level that has not yet reached a diabetic level. Along with insulin resistance, pre-diabetes causes no symptoms. An individual may be pre-diabetic for years without knowing it. Pre-diabetes increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
The people who are greatest risk for developing Prediabetes?
- Age 45 or over
- overweight
- Physically inactive
- Have previously been identified as having IFG (impaired fasting glucose) or IGT (impaired glucose tolerance)
- Have a family history of diabetes
- Are members of certain ethnic groups (including Asian American, African American, Hispanic American, and Native American)
- Have had gestational diabetes or have given birth to a child weighing more than 9 pounds
- Have elevated blood pressure
- Have an HDL cholesterol level (the good cholesterol) below 35 mg/dl and/or a triglyceride level above 250 mg/dl
- Have polycystic ovary syndrome
- Have a history of vascular disease
If your doctor told you that you have pre-diabetes, watch for these symptoms.
- Frequent urination
- Extreme hunger or thirst
- Weight loss
- Problems with vision
- Tingling or numbness of the extremities.
- Unexplained fatigue
- Cuts or sores that heal slowly
- Frequent infections
What can you do to prevent Prediabetes and Diabetes
1.Reduce simple sugars and excessive oil in food.
- Exercise daily for at least 30 minutes
- Take measures to reduce your stress
- Visit a physician for medical advice
- If you are overweight or obese,weight loss and exercise may delay the progression of diabetes from pre-diabetes by returning blood glucose levels to a normal range.
If you are having any of the symptoms mentioned above, meet your physician.
– Dr. Bhavani Sagar
#Thinkhealth blog 