Prediabetes, which increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, goes by a few different names. Insulin resistance is present in those with borderline diabetes, but their blood sugar levels are still below those required to make a diagnosis of diabetes.
Borderline diabetes
Some people who are already prediabetic use the phrase “borderline diabetes.” Doctors use the term “prediabetes” to describe a condition that might develop before type 2 diabetes.
Prediabetes, sometimes called impaired fasting glucose or glucose intolerance, is a condition in which a person has higher-than-normal blood sugar levels but is not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes.
Prediabetes is characterized by adequate insulin production in response to carbohydrate consumption. However, insulin’s removal of sugar from the bloodstream is less efficient, so the blood sugar level remains elevated. Insulin resistance describes the ailment that causes it.
You are not alone if you have prediabetes. Approximately one-third of U.S. adults, or 96 million people, were expected to have prediabetes in 2019.
Even if you have prediabetes, you may not go on to develop full-blown diabetes. However, modifying your diet and way of life can slow or stop the progression of the disease.
It is anticipated that 15%–30% of those with prediabetes will go on to acquire diabetes during the next 3-5 years if no adjustments are made to their lifestyle.
Recognizing the early signs of borderline diabetes
Borderline diabetes, also known as prediabetes, is a crucial stage to pay attention to on your health journey. It’s a warning sign that your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet in the diabetes range. Recognizing the early signs of prediabetes is an empowering step toward preventing full-blown diabetes.
Borderline diabetes risk factors
The likelihood of having prediabetes increases with the presence of any of the following risk factors (from a trustworthy source):
- characterized by excessive fat storage
- having high blood pressure or cholesterol levels
- being physically inactive
- being over the age of 45
- family history of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, diabetes during pregnancy, and polycystic ovarian syndrome
Identifying pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes
Prediabetes is a silent disease; therefore, it’s crucial to obtain annual checkups to catch it early. It’s better to talk to a doctor if you’re worried you could be borderline diabetic.
A hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) or oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is typically administered when a physician detects prediabetes.
Because HbA1c reflects your blood sugar control over the preceding 3 months, it provides a more comprehensive picture than a single fasting blood sugar reading. An HbA1c level between 5.7% and 6.4% is indicative of prediabetes.
Consequences that may arise from having borderline diabetes
If you have high blood sugar and don’t address it, it can have serious consequences for your organs and tissues. This can put you at risk for a wide range of acute and chronic illnesses. For instance, unchecked hyperglycemia can cause
- Broken nerves cause sight loss.
- renal failure
- Illnesses of the heart
Precautions to take
Physical activity
Try to get in 150 minutes of reliable weekly exercise, equivalent to five 30-minute sessions each week. Walking, riding, swimming, hiking, and even dancing all fit within this category.
Maintain a moderate weight
Even though prediabetes can affect people of any size, the risk increases when people are overweight or obese.
In order to reach or maintain a healthy weight and lower your risk of diabetes, you should discuss the possibility of making adjustments to your food and exercise regimen with your doctor or nutritionist.
Balance diet
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats to keep your heart healthy. Complex carbs, such as whole grains, are the best option when selecting grains.
You should also try to cut back on the amount of processed baked goods and sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. Elevated blood sugar levels are dangerous, and foods high in added sugar are often deficient in other nutrients.
See a nutritionist for advice on how to improve your diet and lower your risk of diabetes. The American Diabetes Association also provides easy guidelines for preparing meals that are suitable for diabetics.
Medications
Metformin (Glumetza, Glucophage, Fortamet, and Riomet) is one drug a doctor may recommend if you have prediabetes and are taking medicine. This may also aid in boosting insulin sensitivity and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
Recognizing the early signs of borderline diabetes is key to taking proactive steps toward preventing the progression of full-blown diabetes. If you notice any of these subtle signals, don’t ignore them. Seek competent medical advice for diagnosis and treatment. Remember, by taking control of your health today, you’re investing in a healthier and brighter future.