Approximately seven million individuals in the United Kingdom are living with prediabetes, yet a significant portion of the population remains unaware of this condition. According to a recent report, only 38% of people are familiar with the symptoms associated with prediabetes. Sheena Bagga, an Independent Prescribing Pharmacist at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, highlighted the importance of recognizing the signs to potentially reverse the condition.
Prediabetes is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels that are not high enough to warrant a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Despite being commonly referred to as ‘borderline diabetes’ or ‘non-diabetic hyperglycaemia’, all terms point to the same underlying health issue. Individuals diagnosed with prediabetes face an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, with up to three out of five progressing to this condition within a decade. However, it is crucial to note that the onset of type 2 diabetes is not inevitable with a prediabetes diagnosis.
Identifying seven key signs can help individuals detect the early stages of prediabetes, as the condition shares similar underlying causes with type 2 diabetes. Factors such as excess weight, lack of physical activity, family history of diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, polycystic ovary syndrome in overweight women, and aging can elevate the risk of developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Race also plays a role in diabetes risk, with individuals of South Asian, Black African, or African-Caribbean descent being up to four times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. If concerned about prediabetes, individuals can undergo blood tests either through their GP or opt for a convenient home blood test to assess their risk.
Unlike type 2 diabetes, a prediabetes diagnosis offers individuals an opportunity to prevent the progression to full-blown diabetes through lifestyle modifications. Adopting a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with regular physical exercise and weight management, can significantly lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Additional lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and seeking medical advice for weight management can further reduce cardiovascular risks associated with prediabetes.
While ongoing medical trials explore potential medications to prevent diabetes and cardiovascular disease, these options are not yet widely available. Staying informed and proactive about one’s health status, making positive lifestyle changes, and seeking professional guidance are crucial steps in managing prediabetes and reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.