Prediabetes occurs when the body cannot properly process sugar. When the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the blood sugar increases, prediabetes develops.
Overweight people are at risk for developing prediabetes, as excess abdominal fat makes the body resistant to insulin. Prediabetes can occur in anyone, but there are several risk factors you should be aware of. For example, a family history of the disease can increase your risk of prediabetes.
Also, an unhealthy diet that is high in sugar, processed foods, and red meat can increase your risk. People with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are more likely to develop prediabetes.
If you think that you may be at risk for prediabetes, you should start implementing changes in your health. One of the best ways to begin improving your health is by seeing a doctor regularly for checkups.
To know more about the common risk factors of prediabetes, continue reading.
What Is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes is a disease that develops when the body has trouble processing sugar, which is essential for the body to function properly. Normally, when we eat, our pancreas releases insulin into the bloodstream to help the body absorb sugar. However, some people don’t produce enough insulin, or they don’t use it correctly.
Prediabetes is a condition in which your blood sugar level is higher than the normal range but not high enough to result in type 2 diabetes. If you are concerned that you may have prediabetes, you should have a blood test to see if you have it.
The test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. An A1C level of 5.7 to 6.4 percent is diagnostic of prediabetes. If your test shows higher levels, your doctor may recommend a second test. The higher the A1C, the higher your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
People with prediabetes should eat healthier and increase their exercise. They should aim for thirty minutes of aerobic activity a day to improve their blood sugar control. In addition, they should focus on foods with low carbohydrates.
Prediabetes Risk Factors
Here are some common risk factors that increase your chances of getting prediabetes.
Obesity
The risk of developing type 2 diabetes is greater for overweight individuals. However, there are some alterations that can be made to the way people live to reduce their risk of developing prediabetes. These changes include losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and being more physically active. The National Diabetes Prevention Program can help people make lasting changes to their lifestyles.
Age
Age is also a risk factor for prediabetes. People who are 45 years or older have a high chance of getting prediabetes. As we age, our metabolism slows down, and our body is not able to maintain proper glycemic control. It results in high blood sugar levels, which leads to prediabetes. The most common way to check your risk for prediabetes is to get a blood sugar test (HbA1C). This test can help identify whether you have prediabetes or not.
Family History of Diabetes
One study found that people with a family history of diabetes have a higher risk of developing the disease. These results varied according to family size and number, type of diabetes, and the age when the diabetes was diagnosed. The researchers noted that the results of the study suggest that the disease is associated with family history. It is estimated that about 25% to 33% of people with diabetes have a family history of the disease. You are more likely to become prediabetic if your parents or siblings suffer from the same disease.
Less Physically Active
One of the biggest risk factors for diabetes and prediabetes is not being physically active. This is why the CDC is promoting a comprehensive program to get more people moving. People who don’t get enough exercise have a higher risk of prediabetes, and their risk factors also increase, including high blood pressure and cholesterol. So it’s important to do everything you can to reduce your weight and be more active.
Gestational Diabetes
Pregnancy with gestational diabetes is associated with an increased risk of high blood sugar. While most women with gestational diabetes get better when they give birth, there are high chances of getting prediabetes. If you have given birth to a baby with more than 9 pounds of weight, you are at a higher risk of prediabetes.
Ethnicity
People of certain races and ethnicities are at greater risk of getting prediabetes. African American, Latino, American Indian, Asian American, Latino, and Alaska Native people are more likely to get prediabetes than other people.
Is Stress a Risk Factor For Prediabetes?
While stress isn’t the primary cause of prediabetes, it can influence your condition. High-stress levels can lead to a number of symptoms, including a pounding heart, foggy thinking, exhaustion, and tummy aches. In addition, high levels of stress can affect blood sugar control, which is a key aspect of managing your condition.
With this in mind, you should try to learn how to manage your stress levels and improve your blood sugar control. When you experience stress, your hypothalamus reacts by sending hormone signals to your adrenal glands. In turn, the adrenal glands respond by releasing an abundance of hormones that help you fight off danger.
However, high levels of adrenal hormones can cause insulin resistance. Luckily, there are some simple strategies to help you reduce your stress levels and improve your glucose control.
How Can I Lower My Risk of Prediabetes?
To lower your risk of developing prediabetes, start eating healthier foods. You should limit your intake of processed foods, sugars, and red meat. You should also avoid refined grains and refined sugars. Instead, load your plate with non-starchy vegetables and protein. You should also eat small, healthy meals and snacks throughout the day.
The first step is to consult with a healthcare provider. A doctor can help you determine if you have prediabetes and recommend lifestyle changes that will lower your risk. You should also monitor your blood glucose levels using a glucose monitor at home.
Exercise is another important way to reduce your risk of developing prediabetes. Exercise lowers your blood sugar, so aim to get at least thirty minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
Also you can use mobile apps, such as Klinio app, which helps you monitor multiple important factors – nutrition, exercise, tracks the progress and lets you track the progress.
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