Diabetes--------

Pre-Diabetes

Pre diabetes is an enormous and blossoming problem, closely tied to obesity. If strong preventative and educational steps are not taken by all nations, immediately, then the future burden on healthcare will be enormous.

What is pre-diabetes?

Pre-diabetes is almost always a precursor to the development of type 2 diabetes. It is characterised by the presence of higher than normal blood glucose levels that are yet to reach diabetic levels. The scale of the problem is enormous and growing, as Western society and diet becomes more pervasive. In the United States alone there are over 40 million people suffering from the pre-diabetic condition.

Pre-diabetes is also a critical stage, for it is at this point that sufferers still have the lifestyle choices to turn their condition around. Early, decisive action can slow down or even halt the development of type 2 diabetes. One of the most insidious aspects of pre-diabetes is the fact that the sufferer often does not know that they have the condition until type 2 diabetes has developed.

How do I know if I have pre-diabetes?

Depending on your ethnic origin, you may be more or less at risk of having pre-diabetes. Although pre-diabetes may affect anyone, of any age, gender or racial type, some groups are genetically more prone. These include African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asian-Americans. Diabetes is a global problem.

The only certainty that you have the condition can be found at your doctor. He can administer one of two tests that will assess whether you have pre-diabetes. These tests are called the FPG (fasting plasma glucose test) and the OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test). If you fail the FPG test, you have impaired fasting glucose. If you fail the OGTT then you have impaired glucose tolerance. Either way, in this instance your doctor should then clearly set out the movement you have to take to lessen your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

There are several factors that are generally present in pre-diabetics. If you are overweight and over the age of 45 you should be tested. Related risk factors include high blood pressure, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides. If your family has a history of diabetes, or gestational diabetes, or you have given birth to a baby who weighed over 9 pounds you may also be more at risk.

What are the symptoms of pre-diabetes?

The reason why so many people suffer from pre-diabetes and are completely unaware of it is because it is quite possible for no symptoms to manifest themselves. Both diabetes and pre-diabetes develop at a gradual rate. Being aware of the symptoms of diabetes may be able to help you.

How do I stop pre-diabetes developing into Type 2?

The good news may be that, if you have become aware of the disease early, your condition can still be cured. The two principle factors for consideration are the changing of diet and the addition of appropriate physical exercise to your lifestyle. By making these changes, it may be possible to return blood sugar levels to normal.

Pre-diabetes is a serious medical condition that can be treated. The good news is that the recently completed Diabetes Prevention Program study conclusively showed that people with pre-diabetes can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes by making changes in their diet and increasing their level of physical activity. They may even be able to return their blood glucose levels to the normal range.

But for a comprehensive and individual plan you should see your doctor.

Will my insurance cover me for pre-diabetes?

All insurance plans are different, so answering this question is impossible. Consult your doctor or healthcare professional about the specifics of your insurance cover.