7 Ways to Stop the Progression of Prediabetes into Diabetes

Not only is diabetes a huge health threat, but millions of Americans are already struggling with the condition also. But prediabetes is something that people sadly take for granted. Not only it is a sign of diabetes development, but it is also a sign that we can help our system to prevent actually getting diabetes. An estimated 37 million Americans experience symptoms of prediabetes. A more alarming number is number 87, which indicates the 86 million Americans that have a prediabetes diagnosis already. A number of 471 million people globally is the expected estimate of people with prediabetes by 2035.

What is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a condition that has an elevated blood sugar level, and the percentage is right under the scale of the diagnosis for diabetes. Basically, before a person develops diabetes type II, they become prediabetic. Having prediabetes puts people at a risk a lot higher than normal people for developing cardiovascular diseases, as well as diabetes type II. Even though there are rare and clear symptoms of prediabetes, if we get checked, our levels are the following:

• Fasting blood glucose: 100 to 125 mg/dl;
• A two-hour blood glucose: 140 mg/dl – 199 mg/dl;
• A1C: 5.7% – 6.4%.

We, unfortunately, most likely have prediabetes. However, some cases experience diabetic symptoms but are actually prediabetic. Feeling abnormally thirsty, abnormally urinating, and feeling fatigued are some of the symptoms prediabetics also might experience.

Prediabetes Risk-Factors

Age

The older we get, the risk of developing prediabetes gets higher and higher. When people get above the age of 45, the risk of developing prediabetes gets more prominent. One of the factors for this fact is the lack of inactivity, as well as the possible weight gain because of the latter.

Gender

Unfortunately, for some mysterious, yet unknown reasons, 50% more women develop diabetes in comparison to men.

Fasting Glucose

A 100-125 mg/dL fasting glucose indicates prediabetes,

Heart Blood Pressure

Having high blood pressure suggests the possibility of having prediabetes.

HDL Cholesterol

If you have an HDL cholesterol level of 35 mg/dL, or if your triglyceride level is above 250 mg/dL, it may indicate having prediabetes.

Weight

If our body mass index is >25, we are at a huge risk of having prediabetes. If we keep developing more and more fat cells in our body, especially across our abdomen area, we are at a huge risk of developing prediabetes.

Gestational Diabetes

If a woman gives birth to a baby that weighs more than 9 lbs, or there is a history of gestational diabetes, there is a big risk factor for prediabetes also.

Inactivity

If we are lacking some physical activity in our life, the chances of developing prediabetes get higher and higher over time also. A regular and nicely balanced workout routine is going to get our body going and get rid of all the excess fats and toxic components that our body is dealing with. It’s also going to boost our mood and make us more insulin sensitive.

History of Diabetes in Parents or Siblings

For an unknown reason, if we have a family history of diabetes, unfortunately, we should keep an eye out for our sugar levels because we are at a greater risk of developing the condition.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Obesity, abnormal hair growth and an irregular menstrual cycle may indicate polycystic ovarian syndrome. Experts claim that this disorder hides certain links to developing diabetes as well.

Sleep

Having sleep apnea can indicate being resistant to insulin. An estimated percentage of 83%, of people with type II diabetes experience sleep apnea or have trouble breathing. Keep an eye out for this symptom.

Conventional Methods for Treating Prediabetes

Metformin

Metformin is probably the most common medication that people have been used to treat diabetes and prediabetes. It controls and regulates your blood sugar levels. Some of the side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and an upset stomach.

Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is a method used to prevent a large calorie intake. It results in weight loss, and it mostly prevents diabetes.

Voglibose and Acarbose

These medications are in use to help people living with type II diabetes who have a problem with elevated levels of carbs in the system after a meal.

Thiazolidinediones

Thiazolidinediones are prescribed to decrease the symptoms of diabetes, as well as prevent the development of the condition. Since possible side-effects include heart failure, edema, weight gain, etc.

Orlistat

Using anti-obesity drugs that doctors prescribe for treating prediabetes is another conventional method used to deal with this condition.

Natural Treatments for Prediabetes

1. Lose the Extra Weight

Studies claim that there is a 40-70% decrease in the risk of developing diabetes. Speak to your doctor about implementing a regular workout routine to be part of your daily life if you’re already prediabetic and want to prevent the development of type II diabetes. Try it out by focusing on fibers in the diet, minoring daily sugar and carb intake, and finding the best workout routine that works best for you. This is going to trigger an array of positive results.

2. Follow a Diabetic Diet Plan

Look for a diet plan filled with proteins, fibers, and a diet that’s very low on sugar also. This is the number one most-preferred diet plan for a person living with prediabetes/diabetes. Go for fats but for the healthy kind too. Go for figs, peas, grass-fed beef, flaxseeds, quinoa, etc. All of these ingredients are filled with the right nutrients needed to improve glucose levels. Avocados, coconut oil, etc. All these nutrients are going to detoxify the body and regulate the overall system too.

3. Chromium

Chromium is an important supplement that individuals need to take but in small doses only. It holds an array of benefits, and it’s used for regulating your appetite, as well as food cravings. It’s also useful for balancing out the lipid metabolism, as well as the metabolism of carbs.

4. Magnesium

A magnesium deficiency is a very alarming issue that even though most adults experience in their lifetime, its commonness doesn’t make it any less dangerous. It can lead to high blood pressure, having trouble falling asleep, and other nutrient deficiencies also. According to a study people that take their supplements regularly have a 37% decreased risk of developing diabetes. Try out seeds, avocados, leafy veggies, and also legumes, as a natural way to regulate your intake.

5. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is an essential ingredient that is crucial for the fight or preventing type II diabetes. It’s got a long history of being in use to treat issues with insulin, as well as blood sugar. One study suggests that cinnamon could help us prevent diabetes naturally. Speak to a professional about using cinnamon in your treatment.

6. Coenzyme Q10

This antioxidant helps treat inflammations, diabetes, also aging. According to a study, hemoglobin A1C and fasting plasma glucose levels got lower thanks to taking Q10 supplements. People use this supplement to treat and prevent diabetes, and studies suggested that it is actually very effective and helpful.

7. Ginseng

This herb has been in use to help treat a high appetite. Not only that but this herb has been used throughout history for an array of benefits. It also could help us burn fats faster. In one study involving laboratory mice, ginseng helped them regulate their sugar levels also. Source: Diabetes | Dr. Axe | Mayo Clinic