So, is it preventable ? Well , let’s first look at prediabetes.
Your body needs a continual flow of glucose – which is a type of sugar. This allows your cells to create energy. So , Prediabetes means the amount of glucose in your blood is too high, higher than normal.
Complex hormones and also digestive systems keep the level of glucose in your blood at an ideal level. Every time you eat more than your blood needs, your body stores the excess in your organs and tissues as fat. Over time , this excess can build up and can cause damage to organs such as your liver and pancreas. You can develop prediabetes and if you don’t take action to reverse this , the damage can continue and your more likely to end up with type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
In New Zealand, obesity continues to increase. It now affects about 1 in 4 people. This means that prediabetes is also increasing.
There is no obvious signs or symptoms of prediabetes.But, you can think about the risk factors. These include –
- Being overweight or obese
- Having a family history of type 2 diabetes
- Woman with a history of gestational diabetes or a large baby ( birth weight of over 4.5kg )
- Adults on long term steroids or antipsychotic treatment.
- Adults with ischaemic heart disease,cerebrovascular disease or peripheral vascular disease.
- Everyone else as they become due for a cardiovascular risk assessment from the age of 35.
So, let’s reduce your risk of diabetes !!
Changing your lifestyle can halve your risk of progressing from pre diabetes to type 2 diabetes.
- reduce your weight by 5-10 %
- eat smaller meals and take a look at your calorie intake.
- take a look at what foods contain high sugar and hidden fat.
- eat three meals a day. Think about adding more fruit and veges.
- Drink water ( aim for 2 litres a day )
- exercise, be physically active.
