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Find a store near youTara Beecher M.Pharm ( read time approx. 1 min)
Pharmacists often see patients that have been told they have pre-diabetes. This diagnosis is becoming more common but what does it actually mean?
Pre-diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It is estimated that as many as two million Australians have pre-diabetes. These people are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. There are no signs or symptoms of pre-diabetes which makes it very hard to detect.
The risk factors for developing pre-diabetes are the same as those for type 2 diabetes which include:
- A family history of type 2 diabetes
- Being overweight
- Low level of physical activity
- Smoking
- High blood pressure and/or high cholesterol
- History of heart disease
- Previous gestational diabetes
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Some medications
What is the good news? Being pre-diabetic means intervention can happen before diabetes-related health complications occur. It should be taken as an opportunity to make positive lifestyle changes. There is strong evidence that if the healthy changes are made to diet and lifestyle, the development of type 2 diabetes can be delayed and even prevented.
Some lifestyle changes can include:
- Weight loss; losing as little as 5 to 10% of your body weight can lower blood glucose levels
- Making healthy food choices by limiting saturated fats and eating a wide range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy foods
- Regular moderate physical activity
- Stopping smoking
If your GP has mentioned pre-diabetes, think of it as a fork in the road. You could continue down a path that may adversely affect your health or make positive changes now to be a happier and healthier you.
