Pre-diabetes: The SILENT illness
According to the American Diabetes Association, 84.1 million Americans ages 18 years and older have pre-diabetes.
Pre-diabetes is a condition in which the person has higher-than-normal blood sugar levels but not high enough to be diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. People with pre-diabetes typically do not have any visible signs or symptoms and are often only diagnosed when their doctor orders blood work for other illnesses or during a wellness checkup. Risk factors for pre-diabetes are the same as for Type 2 Diabetes: overweight, large waist size, unhealthy diet, inactivity and family history of diabetes. For women, having had gestational diabetes while you were pregnant also places you at a higher risk for developing pre-diabetes.
If the pre-diabetes goes undiagnosed, the person will almost always develop Type 2 Diabetes within a short period of time. According to the Mayo Clinic, having pre-diabetes may cause early damage in some of the body’s most important organs, such as the heart and kidneys, leading to lifelong 3,422 complications and eventual organ failure.
Do you have a few of the risk factors? Are you concerned you might have pre-diabetes? Be sure to talk to your doctor! Your doctor can help determine if you should be checked for this condition and may order additional tests to see if you already have diabetes. If you do not have a doctor, consider seeing one of the great outpatient care clinics in the Valley
Now for the good news: With just a few lifestyle changes, you can take control and avoid having Type 2 diabetes! Controlling your risk factors — exercising, eating healthy foods and maintaining a healthy weight — can help bring your blood sugar levels down to a more normal range.
Already have diabetes and need help? Don’t want to do it alone? Contacting a certified diabetes educator, such as our Guadalupe Heredia, may help. A registered nurse, Heredia and her staff have helped many diabetics all over the Imperial Valley take control of their illness and lead healthier lifestyles. Our Diabetes Prevention Program includes regular visits and education with diabetes experts and lifestyle coaches who can help you control your illness and take back control of your life.
For more information, please contact us at 760-482-5000 to make an appointment.