What Prediabetes Means and What to Do Next

Up to a third of adults may have prediabetes, and most do not even know it. In this article, Dr. Santosh Bhat, primary care provider at Riverside Healthcare, explains what prediabetes actually means and what you can do to reverse it.

What Is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes and type-2 diabetes exist on the same spectrum. Type-2 diabetes happens when your body becomes resistant to insulin and makes less of it. Without enough insulin working as it should, your body cannot regulate blood sugar properly.
Prediabetes is the early stage of this process. Insulin resistance is starting to develop, and blood sugar is higher than normal. But, it's not high enough yet to fall under the diagnosis of type-2 diabetes.

The Good News: Prediabetes Is Reversible

Individuals can reverse prediabetes without medication. It takes strategic changes to lifestyle, but it is possible. Patients can also reverse type-2 diabetes, though it becomes more difficult the longer it progresses. So, it’s crucial to get ahead of the condition before it gets out of control.

Who Is at Risk for Prediabetes?

Prediabetes is common. Reports suggest it may affect a third or more of the population, making it one of the most widespread metabolic issues around. Several factors can raise your risk, including lifestyle habits, diet, and activity level. Genetics also plays a significant role. So, a family history of diabetes is worth keeping in mind even if you feel perfectly healthy otherwise.

The Challenge: Detecting a Condition with No Symptoms

Prediabetes usually causes no symptoms. That means a blood test is the only way to know for sure. One option is a fasting glucose test. A result between 100 and 125 indicates prediabetes. Another is the hemoglobin A1c test, which shows average blood sugar levels over about three months.

Why Early Detection Matters

Catching prediabetes early gives you a real chance to make changes before serious problems develop. The alternative? Left unmanaged, diabetes raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and nerve damage. 
“When you know about this disease in its early stage, you could make significant changes and reverse the issue,” emphasizes Dr. Bhat.

Practical Changes That Make a Difference

For diet, Dr. Bhat recommends a Mediterranean-style approach. This diet is high in fiber, healthy fats, and low glycemic carbs. Meaning, whole grains instead of processed carbs, plenty of vegetables, and healthy fats like nuts, olive oil, and fatty fish.
One helpful strategy... eat protein and vegetables first during a meal, saving carbs or starches for last. “That way, you'll be more restrictive in your carb intake because you'll already be more satiated from the other food groups,” explains Dr. Bhat.
Exercise matters too. A combination of aerobic activity and resistance training works best. But, it does not need to start big. A simple walk counts, especially for someone who was not active before. “Any improvement from what you were before is going to have a positive impact,” Dr. Bhat notes. Weight loss, when needed, also helps significantly.

The Role of Your Primary Care Provider

At the prediabetes stage, your primary care provider's main role is encouragement and monitoring. Routine blood tests help track progress over time. No specialist or medication is typically needed; lifestyle changes alone can manage and reverse the condition.

Who Should Get Tested for Prediabetes?

The A1c test is a good screening tool for most adults, ideally used as a baseline check at least once every few years. It becomes even more important for those with additional risk factors like high blood pressure or obesity, since these conditions can further increase the likelihood of developing prediabetes or type-2 diabetes. Even without any noticeable symptoms, routine testing during an annual visit is one of the simplest ways to catch changes early and stay ahead of any developing issues.

Symptoms Worth Watching For

While prediabetes often has no symptoms, full diabetes can bring warning signs like increased urination (especially waking up at night to use the bathroom), along with increased thirst and hunger. Even without symptoms, testing is the best way to know where you stand.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment with a Riverside primary care provider, visit https://www.riversidehealthcare.org.