There is one health warning you have the chance to use to change your health outcomes for the better. During a checkup, you may be told that you are“ prediabetic.” This warning does not guarantee that you will become fully diabetic. In many instances, it is a signal to make lifestyle changes to avoid developing a life-threatening condition.

You may learn of your diagnosis from annual blood tests. Prediabetes is diagnosed from common tests which may reveal that you have elevated blood sugar levels, but not so high as to indicate Type 2 diabetes.

Healthy blood sugar( glucose) levels are 70 to 99 milligrams per deciliter( mg / dL). A result of levels between 100 to 125 mg / dL indicates prediabetes. These results are obtained from not one

but several routine tests to verify:

• Fasting plasma glucose test: A blood test after eight hours of fasting( no food or water) may be given as a part of basic metabolic panels or comprehensive metabolic panels. Providers order these panels to get an overall look at your health.

• A1C test: This test provides your average blood glucose level over the past two to three months.

• A diagnoses of prediabetes results from:

• Fasting plasma glucose test results of 100 to 125 mg / dL( normal is less than 100; diabetes is 126 or higher).

• A1C result of 5.7 % to 6.4 %( normal is less than 5.7 %; diabetes is 6.5 % or higher). At this time, many people have the chance to change their eating and lifestyle to avoid developing a full diabetic condition. Basically, your aim will be to increase exercise, control weight and cease smoking. These three things are good for you, any time.

Your healthcare provider can offer education, support and encouragement for this very positive effort. It is possible to reverse prediabetes or delay( for many years) the onset of diabetes.

Developing Type 2 diabetes does not stem from a lack of willpower. Many factors can push a body into a fully diabetic condition. However, immediately taking action to use the strategies that are available to you will be beneficial to your health. Better diet and increased exercise are good for your well-being under any

circumstances.

Use this opportunity! Consult your provider to learn about local diabetic counseling and education which will help you tailor a fitness and nutrition plan. You may gradually begin some positive actions such as walking for your health and eliminating some eating habits while adding healthier choices.

ONE CHANGE AT A TIME A prediabetes diagnosis does not have to mean a harsh sentence of austerity. There is no magic goal weight that will guarantee success. Improvement is the better and obtainable goal. Do not become overwhelmed by demanding too much change of yourself all at once.

If you continue educating yourself and accepting the support of others who can help, you will reap the awards of feeling positive and capable of changing your blood test results to better numbers.

Your doctor may prescribe medicines that can assist your quest to reverse your condition. One common prescription is called Metformin.

WHY YOU SHOULD ADDRESS THIS WARNING:

Undiagnosed or undermanaged Type 2 diabetes increases risk of serious problems such as:

• Heart attack and stroke.

• Eye issues( diabetesrelated retinopathy).

• Kidney issues( diabetes-related nephropathy).

• Nerve damage( diabetes-related neuropathy).

These complications are not fully reversible. Managing your risk now is worth a future that could be free of these complications.

You can consult the American Diabetes Association to educate yourself. It’ s a good starting place for information. Again, your healthcare provider can refer you to medical resources, nutrition advice and planning, exercise opportunities and peer support groups to stand with you on your quest to change your future to a healthier one. w

We invite you to explore the possibilities of a life well lived, filled with connections and enrichment!

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