Preventing prediabetes

Prediabetes is a health condition where blood sugars are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. One in three American adults has prediabetes, which equals 84 million people. To be clear, prediabetes means that your blood sugar levels are higher than normal — but not high enough to be diagnosed as having Type 2 diabetes.

However, prediabetes can develop into Type 2 diabetes. And that’s something worth investing personal time and energy in avoiding. Having diabetes puts you at an increased risk of a multitude of health problems that can significantly impact your quality of live. Among them include but are not limited to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and nerve damage.

Possible signs of prediabetes

Of those who have prediabetes, 90 percent don’t know they have it because it doesn’t have any clear symptoms.

Among the risk factors of prediabetes include:

• Being overweight
• Being over age 45
• Having a sibling or parent with Type 2 diabetes
• Not being physically active
• For women, having gestational diabetes

If any of the following apply to you, talk with your health care provider about your blood sugar levels and if you could have prediabetes.

How to avoid

If, in fact, you have the condition — it doesn’t mean that Type 2 Diabetes is inevitable. Much can be done to lower your risk, including:

• Eating healthier. Avoiding fried foods and favoring those that are low fat.
• Losing weight. A decrease of 5-7 percent of your body weight can make a major difference.
• Getting regular exercise. 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week is recommended.
• Smoking cessation. If you smoke, try quitting or talk to your health care provider about how to do so.

CentraCare offers a variety of diabetes classes. Click on the links below to learn about each. The additional knowledge and support you receive through each may make a big difference in your health.

Diabetes Classes and Support

• Diabetes Prevention Class (St. Cloud) – meets monthly and led by a Certified Diabetes Educator.
• Diabetes Prevention Program – starting Jan. 22, 2019. Developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it meets weekly throughout the year to help you receive group support and coaching.
• Diabetes Support Class (Long Prairie) – meets the third Tuesday of each month.
• Gestational Diabetes Class