Reverse prediabetes and prevent type 2 diabetes
Prediabetes is a precursor of the Typ-2-Diabetes. It is on the rise worldwide and now affects hundreds of millions of people. The good news is that prediabetes as warning sign be viewed and still vice versa can be done before diabetes develops.
Those who have prediabetes are on the way to developing type 2 diabetes, a disease that can lead to serious complications and, among other things, increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Yet prediabetes is reversible, as in a current one contribution by Yale Medicine (USA).
Those affected can be symptom-free for years
The problem is that you may not even know you have prediabetes or Diabetes suffer – you can be symptom-free for years. But once the complications of diabetes arise, almost every aspect of your health can be affected. That’s because the excess sugar in your blood damages blood vessels and nerves throughout your body. Below, Yale Medicine experts provide important information about prediabetes.
A serious health problem
“Prediabetes goes hand-in-hand with metabolic syndrome, the term for a condition that includes high blood pressure, obesity and high cholesterol”explained Dr. Anika Anam, Endocrinologist at Yale Medicine. Any of these conditions increases your risk of serious problems like heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
In people with prediabetes, some of the long-term damage begin in the blood vessels, heart and kidneys. The condition has also been linked to so-called “silent” heart attacks, the symptoms of which are so mild that people may not realize they have occurred.
Which people are at increased risk of disease
But who is at risk? The first step is knowing the risk factors, which can help determine whether or not you should be screened for the condition. Without screening can early signs of insulin resistance can be difficult to spot – a person can have prediabetes for years without even knowing it.
“Symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes, such as B. frequent urinationdo not necessarily occur in prediabetes”, said Dr. Anam.
Besides obesity are frequent risk factors for prediabetes, being older than 45, exercising less than three times a week, having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes, and having given birth to a baby who weighed more than nine pounds.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are also at higher risk for the condition. And also gestational diabeteswhich usually disappears after the baby is born, is a possible prediabetes trigger.
However, there are also people with obesitywho do not develop obesity-related diseases and others who develop type 2 diabetes without being overweight, explains Dr. anam.
“But if you’re overweight and struggling to lose weight, if you’re not physically active, and if you’re other health problems like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, you are at risk.”
blood tests can provide information. Contact a doctor.
It gets harder with age
For those diagnosed with prediabetes or who fear they may be at increased risk: “Concentrate on first weight loss and dietary changes”, said Dr. Anam.
Getting enough exercise is also important. With increasing age however, this is more difficult. “As you get older, you can develop joint pain that can limit physical activity”says Dr. anam. This also applies to heart diseases.
It is also problematic that the intake of certain medication how steroids can lead to increased blood sugar levels and an increased feeling of hunger, which can contribute to increased food intake and further to hyperglycemia. “All These Things Add Up”said the doctor.
Can children and adolescents get prediabetes?
Ja. Die Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that 18% of adolescents have prediabetes, and the trend in this group is increasing.
All children experience metabolic and hormonal changes during puberty, along with a decrease in insulin sensitivity; Problems usually arise when a teenager also suffers from obesity, explains dr. Ania Jastreboff.
“Obese children are more likely to become obese adults and then more likely to develop weight-related diseases like type 2 diabetes, kidney problems and heart problems”so the Endocrinologist.
Lifestyle changes are critical to prevention in children. “We know that prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are more aggressive in children than in adults”warns Dr. Michelle Van Namea pediatric endocrinologist from Yale Medicine.
Weight loss as a key strategy
While weight loss is a key strategy, not everyone needs to lose weight massively. “Often, just minor changes in dietary intake and minimal weight loss, along with increased physical activity, help reverse diabetes”says Dr. Sonia Caprioanother Yale Medicine pediatric endocrinologist.
The National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) from the CDC, which includes an ongoing outcomes study, showed that people with prediabetes who used a structured lifestyle change program lost a modest amount of weight — 5 to 7% (10 to 14 pounds for a person with weighing 200 pounds, for example) – reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58%.
dr Van Name also recommends using simple interventions starting at home and building on this over time, especially when working with children. You might start looking as a family for ways to get more physical activity or try different colored foods on the plate.
“If a large part of food If it’s green on your plate, that’s great. But when everything is beige, it’s often a less healthy meal.”so Dr. Van Name. “Managing stress, which can be a barrier, is also important.”
Act when necessary
It’s important to remember that prediabetes is reversible, says Dr. anam. “I have seen patients achieve tremendous things”she says, adding that it helps to start early.
Parents may need to speak to a pediatrician when their children hit puberty — or even before it — and adults should do theirs lifestyle judge while they are still in their 20s or 30s.
„Die Glukosetoleranz worsens with age, so problems not controlled early may be more difficult later”warns the doctor.
Especially people who are at increased risk of prediabetes and those who are concerned about it should monitor their weight, blood pressure and blood glucose levels know. “Keep an eye on your health and act if necessary.” (ad)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the requirements of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.