Prediabetes

Prediabetes is a condition in which blood glucose (blood sugar) levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Pre-diabetes is also called Impaired Fasting glucose (IFG) or Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT), due to the tests used to detect it.

It is estimated that 57 million Americans 20 years and older have prediabetes. Individuals with prediabetes have an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes may cause long-term damage to the cardiovascular system before a person has diabetes.

Risk factors for prediabetes:
• A Family History of type 2 diabetes
• Race or Ethnic Background of African, Latino, Native American descent
• Being Overweight (more than 20% over your optimal body weight)
• Having Hypertension or high blood pressure
• Increasing age raises risk
• Heavy Alcohol Consumption
• Smoking
• Having Gestational Diabetes or delivering a baby over 9 lbs

There are often no signs or symptoms of prediabetes, but some symptoms of type 2 diabetes may be present.

There are two different tests that can be used to diagnose prediabetes.
• Fasting plasma glucose test
• Oral glucose tolerance test

Prevention: There are a few things you can do that may help you prevent prediabetes.
• Physical activity
• Weight loss
• Healthy Eating

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