How to Reverse Prediabetes and Avoid Type 2 Diabetes Before It Starts

What is the meaning of Prediabetes, and how can it be managed effectively?

Prediabetes refers to a state in which blood sugar levels exceed normal ranges but do not reach the threshold for type 2 diabetes classification. It serves as a warning that indicates a risk of developing diabetes in the future.  

Prediabetes is an opportunity for individuals to make positive lifestyle changes, like adopting a healthy prediabetes diet and increasing physical activity, to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Understanding the meaning of prediabetes empowers individuals to take control of their health and make proactive choices to maintain optimal well-being.

The link between prediabetes and type 2 diabetes

Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are linked with a common underlying issue: high blood sugar levels. Prediabetes is an early sign of type 2 diabetes, as individuals with prediabetes have blood sugar levels higher than usual but not yet in the diabetic range.

If left unaddressed, prediabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes. However, not everyone with prediabetes will develop diabetes. With the right lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet, physical activity, and healthy weight, it is possible to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Common symptoms of prediabetes

Here are some common symptoms of prediabetes:

• Increased thirst: You may feel excessively thirsty, as high blood sugar levels can cause dehydration.
• Frequent urination: An increase in urination frequency, particularly at night, can be a symptom of prediabetes.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or lacking energy after sufficient rest can indicate prediabetes.
• Increased hunger: You may feel hungry more often, as your body may not effectively utilise glucose for energy.
• Unexplained weight loss: Despite increased hunger, you may experience unintentional weight loss due to the body’s inability to process and utilise glucose properly.
• Slow-healing wounds: Wounds or cuts may take longer to heal, as high blood sugar can affect the body’s healing processes.

Risk factors for developing prediabetes

Many factors can increase the odds of developing prediabetes. These risk factors can help identify individuals more prone to developing the condition. Here are some common risk factors for prediabetes:

• Overweight or obesity: Excess body weight, especially abdominal fat, increases the risk of insulin resistance, a critical factor in prediabetes.
• Sedentary lifestyle: The absence of physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to insulin resistance and can increase the risk of prediabetes.
• Family history: A close family member with type 2 diabetes can increase the likelihood of prediabetes.
• Age: The likelihood of prediabetes rises notably after reaching 45 years of age, possibly attributed to diminished physical activity and shifts in hormonal patterns.
• Gestational diabetes: Females who have experienced gestational diabetes during pregnancy have a heightened risk of developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
• Unhealthy diet: Consuming diets high in processed foods, sugary beverages, and saturated fats and low in fruits, vegetables, and grains increase the risk of prediabetes.

Also read: Foods to Manage Diabetes

Lifestyle changes for reversing prediabetes

Reversing prediabetes and stopping its progression to type 2 diabetes involves essential lifestyle changes. Here are some essential lifestyle modifications that can help:

Balanced prediabetes diet with healthy eating habits

Prioritise a well-rounded diet for prediabetes, encompassing fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and nourishing fats, while minimising consumption of processed foods, sugary treats, and beverages.

Regular physical activity

Engage in consistent physical activity, with at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic weekly exercise. It can include brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or any exercise that increases your heart rate.

Weight management

Maintain a proper weight through healthy eating and regular physical activity. Losing even a small amount of weight, such as 5-7% of your body weight, can significantly reduce developing type 2 diabetes.

Also read: Ayurvedic Diet For Weight Loss

Stress management techniques

Practice mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or engage in hobbies that help you relax. Chronic stress can contribute to insulin resistance and make it harder to manage prediabetes.

Getting adequate sleep

Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Poor sleep can affect insulin sensitivity and increase the risk of developing prediabetes or progressing to type 2 diabetes.

Also read: How Much Sleep Do You Really Need?

Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption

Quit smoking if you smoke and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Limit alcohol consumption or avoid it altogether, as excessive alcohol intake can affect blood sugar control.

Foods to eat and avoid with prediabetes

Making a prediabetes diet plan is crucial for maintaining blood sugar levels and prevent the progression of type 2 diabetes. Here are some guidelines on foods to eat and avoid. Include this prediabetes diet chart in your diet.

Foods to eat

• Whole grains: Opt for whole grain choices such as whole wheat, brown rice, quinoa, and oats. These provide fibre and have a lower impact on blood sugar levels.
• Non-starchy vegetables: Include a variety of colourful vegetables such as leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, and carrots. They are low in calories and high in fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
• Lean proteins: Select lean protein sources like skinless poultry, fish, tofu, legumes, and low-fat dairy products. It provides essential nutrients without significantly affecting blood sugar levels.
• Healthy fats: Include nourishing fats from options such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. These fats can improve insulin sensitivity and provide essential nutrients.
• High-fibre foods: Include fibre-rich foods like fruits (especially berries), vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Fibre helps slow down digestion and regulate blood sugar levels.

Foods to avoid

• Sugary foods and beverages: Minimise or avoid sugary drinks, candies, desserts, and processed snacks, as they can cause a  increase in blood sugar level.
• Refined grains: Reduce consumption of refined grains like white bread, white rice, and processed cereals, as they are quickly broken down into sugar.
• Trans fats and saturated fats: Limit intake of foods with trans fats and saturated fats, such as fried foods, fatty cuts of meat, full-fat dairy products, and processed snacks.
• Highly processed foods: Reduce consumption of heavily processed foods, which contain added sugars, unhealthy fats, and refined grains.

Monitoring blood sugar levels

Regular monitoring of blood sugar level helps individuals understand how their bodies respond to different factors and allows for early detection of any changes. Here are the critical aspects of monitoring blood sugar levels.

Importance of regular monitoring

Monitoring helps individuals become more aware of how food, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors affect their blood sugar levels. Regular monitoring helps detect fluctuations or patterns in blood sugar levels, enabling early intervention and preventing further complications. To understand how key hormones regulate blood sugar, check out our article on insulin and glucagon function.

How to monitor blood sugar levels

Individuals can measure their blood sugar levels using a blood glucose meter by pricking their fingers applying a tiny blood drop to a test strip. The meter then provides an instant reading. 

Continuous glucose monitoring devices measure blood sugar levels continuously throughout the day using a sensor inserted under the skin. The device sends real-time glucose readings to a receiver or smartphone.

Target blood sugar ranges

Typically, the target range for fasting blood sugar levels is between 80 and 130 mg/dL (4.4 to 7.2 mmol/L). This refers to blood sugar levels after an 8-hour fasting period.

Blood sugar levels, measured about two hours after a meal, should generally be less than 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L).

What is the time frame to reverse prediabetes?

The time frame to reverse prediabetes varies from person to person depends on several factors, including individual commitment and lifestyle changes. Early detection and proactive intervention can reverse prediabetes within a few months to a year.

Embracing a healthy lifestyle, with regular physical activity, a balanced prediabetes diet, weight management, and stress reduction, is crucial in reversing prediabetes. Close blood sugar monitoring and regular check-ups with healthcare professionals are essential to track progress and make adjustments to achieve optimal results.

Conclusion

Knowing the prediabetes meaning is crucial for early intervention and prevention of type 2 diabetes. Reversing prediabetes and preventing type 2 diabetes requires proactive steps and lifestyle changes. 

Understanding the significance of prediabetes empowers individuals to proactively enhance their well-being and diminish the likelihood of future diabetes. Consistently monitoring blood sugar levels and collaborating closely with healthcare experts are vital for monitoring advancement and implementing essential modifications.

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Frequently asked questions

Disclaimer 

The content provided within this article has been thoroughly verified for accuracy. However, we advise consulting a healthcare professional before utilising any medication or dietary supplements mentioned herein.

References

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