Diagnosis and treatments of prediabetes
The medical doctor will perform a blood test, specifically a glucose tolerance test, to diagnose prediabetes. This test calculates how fast the human body can process the sugar present in the blood over a period of 2 hours. There are other tests that can be carried out. Such tests include:
- Fasting Blood Test: This test is done by measuring the level of blood sugar present in a person’s body when that person has not eaten over a specific period of time.
- A1C Test – this test is done by measuring the average blood sugar level in the body for a period of about 2 – 3 months. This particular test does not require one to fast or take any special medication, and it is known to produce a reliable result.
Treating prediabetes can also be thought of as preventing type 2 diabetes. You should see your doctor if you are concerned about diabetes or if you notice any type 2 diabetes signs or symptoms. Ask your doctor about your blood sugar screening if you have any risk factors for diabetes. If your doctor diagnoses you with prediabetes, they will recommend certain lifestyle changes. The ways in which you can control and manage prediabetes are:
- Take a well-prescribed medication by a professional medical doctor.
- Lose weight if you are overweight.
- Observe exercises regularly: You can reduce your risk of diabetes by regularly staying active. Thirty minutes of activities that raise your heartbeat to your target rate, such as walking most days of the week, is highly recommended. Getting 30 minutes of exercise per day and losing 5 to 7 percent of your weight can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes progression by over 58 percent, according to the CDC.
- Maintaining a diet that is rich in fiber: Fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can be especially beneficial in helping you achieve your health goals. Research suggests that a low carbohydrate diet could help reduce blood glucose management, insulin, weight loss, and resistance. A low carbohydrate diet may not be recommended for people with high cholesterol, kidney disease, or heart disease. Talk to your doctor before making major changes to your diet.
Some people with diabetes choose to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) [6] treatments to manage their condition. CAM treatments can include taking supplements, medication, and acupuncture. Always check with your doctor before starting any CAM treatment because it may interact with your medication.
Conclusion
For those who have been diagnosed with prediabetes, it is necessary to consult a medical doctor immediately in order to determine the best treatment method that would work for them in order to get their blood sugar under control and prevent it from developing into T2D.
References
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353118
[2] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9815-hyperglycemia-high-blood-sugar
[3] https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/about.htm
[4] https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/ldl_hdl.htm
[5] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/240820
[6] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/complementary-and-alternative-medicine/