7 Things Most Don't Realize About Prediabetes

Most people are aware of diabetes, a chronic medical condition that affects your blood sugar (glucose) levels. But what a lot of people don’t know is that another condition, prediabetes, significantly increases their risk of developing full diabetes.

Knowing what prediabetes is, why it happens, and what you can do to prevent it is critically important for preventing diabetes and its complications.

At I & B Medical Associates, our team offers comprehensive diabetes care, weight loss services, and other support to help manage prediabetes and prevent it from progressing. 

In this post, we share seven facts people might not realize about this common medical problem.

1. Prediabetes is common

Prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are elevated but not enough for a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Nearly 100 million American adults — roughly a third of the population — have prediabetes, according to CDC data. Even more alarming: About 80% don’t know they have it. 

High prevalence underscores the importance of learning all you can about prediabetes and how to prevent it.

2. Prediabetes is a precursor to Type 2 diabetes

Prediabetes is a major risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Roughly 25% of people with prediabetes progress to Type 2 diabetes within just 3-5 years.

3. Prediabetes often doesn’t cause symptoms

Prediabetes often occurs without noticeable symptoms, the primary reason why 8 in 10 people who have prediabetes don’t know it. The best way to understand your risk is to have regular screenings to measure glucose levels and monitor your other risk factors.

4. Prediabetes is associated with risk factors

Like Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes is often associated with risk factors like being overweight or obese, eating a poor diet, leading a sedentary lifestyle, being over 45, or having a family history of diabetes. If you have risk factors for prediabetes, screening is even more critical. 

5. Prediabetes is associated with other health problems

Prediabetes doesn’t just increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes. It also increases your risks of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

6. You can prevent the progression to diabetes

Knowing your risk factors can help you prevent prediabetes from progressing to Type 2 diabetes. Being more active, following a healthy diet, and losing extra weight can all help lower your risk. If you’re overweight, even just 5%-7% weight loss can make a difference.

7. Regular screening is important

It can’t be overemphasized: Regular screening is essential for diagnosing prediabetes as early as possible, before it can progress. Screening also helps us establish a plan to help reverse prediabetes and improve your overall health and wellness.

Schedule your screening

There’s no escaping the fact that prediabetes is common, can affect anyone, and rarely causes symptoms. Regular screening and a healthy lifestyle are your best defenses against prediabetes and its risks.

To schedule your screening and evaluation, call 786-321-2399 or book an appointment online at I & B Medical Associates in Miami, Florida, today.