Pre-Diabetes
FAQs
Pre-diabetes,
if it goes undiagnosed, can lead to the development
of type 2 diabetes.
How
is pre-diabetes different to type 2 diabetes?
Pre-diabetes occurs when blood glucose levels exceed
normal levels but do not climb high enough to warrant
a diagnosis of diabetes. If pre-diabetes is left untreated
it will quickly develop into type 2 diabetes, usually
in less than ten years.
Is pre-diabetes
the same thing as Impaired glucose tolerance or impaired
fasting glucose?
Yes, although this depends on which test is used to
diagnose the condition.
Is pre-diabetes
the same thing as metabolic syndrome or syndrome X?
Pre-diabetes shares a number of factors with metabolic
syndrome and syndrome x, and if unchecked can lead
to type 2 diabetes.
Why
is this condition called pre-diabetes?
Pre-diabetes used to be called IGT/IFG, but the term
pre-diabetes makes it easier to understand. Furthermore,
pre-diabetes implies an impending risk that should
be acted upon. At the pre-diabetic stage type 2 diabetes
can still be prevented or delayed.
How
would I know if I have pre-diabetes?
The two types of tests for pre-diabetes can establish
whether you are suffering from the condition. Doctors
will typically use either the fasting plasma glucose
test (FPG) or the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT.)
These tests require the patient to fast overnight.
What
do you need to score on the FPG test to be diagnosed
with pre-diabetes?
A normal fasting blood glucose level is below 100
mg/dl - between 100 and 125 mg/dl a person has pre-diabetes.
If the blood glucose level rises to 126 mg/dl or above,
a person has diabetes.
What
do you need to score on the OGTT test to be diagnosed
with pre-diabetes?
When it comes to the OGTT test, a person's blood glucose
is measured after a fast and 2 hours after a drink
rich in glucose. Normal levels are under 140 mg/dl
2 hours after the drink. 140 to 199 mg/dl 2 hours
after the drink means that the person being tested
has pre-diabetes. If the 2-hour blood glucose reaches
200 mg/dl or exceeds it, the person has diabetes.
Why
is it essential to be diagnosed if I think I might
have pre-diabetes?
It could be possible to prevent the development of
type 2 diabetes if you find out about your pre-diabetes
early enough. Research indicates that people who have
pre-diabetes can delay or prevent the onset of type
2 diabetes by almost 60 per cent with adjustments
to diet and exercise. Reducing weight by ten per cent,
and partaking in modest physical activity for 30 minutes
daily, could reduce the chance of developing type
2 diabetes.
Will
insurance cover things like testing and treatment?
This depends on your insurance policy.
How
is pre-diabetes treated?
To treat pre-diabetes, it is necessary to lose a modest
amount of weight (approximately 5-10 per cent of total
body weight.) This can be achieved through diet and
modest exercise. Any weight loss can make a huge difference.
Having pre-diabetes increases the risk of heart disease
or stroke.
Who
should be tested for pre-diabetes?
Some people will be face an increased likelihood of
having pre-diabetes. For instance, if you are overweight
and aged 45 or older. Other risk factors can include
high blood pressure, low HDL cholesterol, a family
history of diabetes or gestational diabetes. Some
ethnic groups are at a higher risk of diabetes.
When
should I be tested?
You should be tested every three years, and if you
have pre-diabetes you should be checked for type 2
diabetes at least annually.
Is it
possible to have pre-diabetes and be unaware of it?
Yes. Some people who have pre-diabetes exhibit hardly
any symptoms. Even diabetic people may not be aware
of their condition. Type 2 diabetes symptoms include
blurred vision, thirst, frequent need to pee, and
tiredness.
