Common Symptoms of Pre-Diabetes

Pre-diabetes, also known as Borderline Diabetes, is a condition in which individuals do not metabolize food as efficiently as they should. However, they do metabolize food better than a diabetic. In many cases, individuals who have pre-diabetes will develop diabetes. However, if individuals with pre-diabetes make some significant lifestyle changes, they may be able to avoid developing full-blown diabetes.

Here are some facts about pre-diabetes and tips for managing the condition:

Individuals have pre-diabetes if they have a fasting plasma glucose level that is greater than or equal to 100 mg/dl, but less than 126 mg/dl during a two-hour oral glucose tolerance test, according to TypeFree. They may also be diagnosed with pre-diabetes if they have a blood glucose level that is greater than or equal to 140 mg/dl, but less than 200 mg/dl after consuming 75 grams of a glucose solution. Diabetes is diagnosed when their blood glucose levels are 200 mg/dl or greater or 126 mg/dl or greater with the respective diagnostic tests.

Losing weight can help

Diabetes is a condition that is made worse by obesity and being overweight. Therefore, by losing weight, individuals with pre-diabetes may be able to better control their diabetes or avoid getting it altogether. By losing weight, pre-diabetics will allow their bodies to function more efficiently, as blood will not have to pump through as much tissue to get to vital organs.

Additionally, by consuming fewer carbohydrates, pre-diabetics will be able to help their bodies metabolize food with greater ease. Carbohydrates are sugars that need to be broken down by insulin in order to become energy. However, diabetics are characterized by being unable to either secrete enough insulin to break down the food that they eat, or their insulin is not effective enough to break foods down. Therefore, by eating fewer carbohydrates, their bodies will require less insulin.

Keep in mind, though, that it's important to consume a healthy amount of carbohydrates - 275 grams is recommended for daily consumption, along with 100 grams of protein and 45 grams of fat. (source: http://imtypefree.com/taxonomy/term/459)

In order to help the body break down carbohydrates more efficiently, pre-diabetics should be sure to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. Exercise not only helps the body build muscles, which help food metabolize faster, but exercise also requires energy, which comes from the food the pre-diabetic has consumed.

Keep in mind that it's always important to stay in touch with your physician for regular tests and screenings to help you avoid getting diabetes and to be sure that you are properly managing your condition. Your physician may also be able to recommend medications or lifestyle changes that can help you more easily manage the condition.

Sources:

http://www.imtypefree.com/taxonomy/term/427

http://imtypefree.com/taxonomy/term/459

http://www.imtypefree.com/Pre-Diabetes-Symptoms.html