Pre-Diabetes

If you have a family history of Type 2 Diabetes, or have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes before, consider having a regular check up to catch it early. Ask your doctor if you think you might be at risk for pre-diabetes.

What is Pre-Diabetes?

Someone who has pre-diabetes is at a high risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. People with pre-diabetes have higher blood glucose than normal, but their glucose is not high enough to have a diabetes diagnosis.

If you have pre-diabetes, you may or may not have any of the classic diabetic symptoms that people with Type 2 Diabetes experience.  With the advice of a qualified doctor and diabetes team, you may avoid Type 2 by making the proper lifestyle changes. Prescribed treatment often includes a focus on lifestyle that includes more activity or exercise and healthy food. Medication may be prescribed by your doctor, if needed.

Symptoms of Pre-Diabetes

Pre-diabetes may not always present symptoms, so, you may have it and not know it. One possible sign is darkened skin on the neck, armpits, elbows, knees and knuckles. Classic signs and symptoms that suggest you may have moved from pre-diabetes to Type 2 Diabetes include:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision

If you have a history of diabetes in your family, or are overweight, it is recommended that adults get blood sugar screenings starting at age 45 or sooner at your regular check-ups

Children and Pre-Diabetic Testing

Type 2 Diabetes is becoming more common in children and adolescents, due to the rise in childhood obesity. Pre-diabetes testing for children who are an unhealthy weight and who have at least two other risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes is recommended.

These other risk factors include:

• The family history of type 2 diabetes.
• Low birth weight.
• Being born to a mother who had gestational diabetes.

Treatment

Treatment will vary from person to person. Please contact your doctor and see a qualified diabetes support team to understand what treatment is best for you. In some cases medication may be required. Note: What works for one person will not necessarily work for another – no two people with diabetes are alike.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can help you prevent pre-diabetes and its progression to Type 2 diabetes. However, it is sometimes genetic and unavoidable. If you are given a pre-diabetes diagnosis, know that you can better manage it with a healthy lifestyle – this includes eating well and exercising.