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Top 5 Signs and Symptoms of Pre-Diabetes as You Age
The time it takes for pre-diabetes to progress to diabetes can vary from person to person. But what are the signs and symptoms that are contributing factors? This list has five common warning signs and symptoms that could lead to a pre-diabetes diagnosis.
Top 5 Signs and Symptoms of Pre-Diabetes:
- You are over the age of 45.
- You are overweight or obese.
- You have a family history of diabetes.
- You are physically inactive.
- You have high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
If you have any of these risk factors, it is essential to get tested for pre-diabetes. Unfortunately, many people have pre-diabetics and are unaware of their diagnosis. The pre-diabetic diagnosis is present in your blood sugar levels which are higher than average. However, high sugar levels may not be high enough to diagnose diabetes. If left untreated, pre-diabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Obtaining an annual medical checkup and talking to your doctor about getting tested if you think you may be at risk for pre-diabetes is vital to controlling the disease.
How to Support Yourself through the Transition
Making the transition to a pre-diabetic state can be difficult. It is an emotional and stressful health change to manage—however, several things to do to make the process easier for yourself.
First, it's essential to eat healthy. A balanced diet will help to regulate your blood sugar levels and keep your body functioning correctly. Exercising will significantly contribute to your overall health. Exercising a minimum of 3 days a week will improve insulin sensitivity and can prevent the onset of diabetes.
Second, you need to monitor your blood sugar levels closely. Monitoring means checking your blood sugar levels regularly and keeping track of any changes when your blood sugar levels should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Third, you should try to reduce stress in your life. Stress can harm blood sugar levels, so finding ways to relax and de-stress is crucial. Playing sports, Yoga, meditation, and spending time in nature are all great ways to reduce stress.
Transitioning to a pre-diabetic state can be difficult but taking care of yourself during this time is essential. Eating healthy, exercising regularly, monitoring your blood sugar levels, and reducing stress will help you through the process.
Ways To Reduce Your Risk of Developing Diabetes
There are several things to reduce the risk of developing diabetes as you age. One is to maintain a healthy weight. Losing even a few pounds can significantly lower your risk of developing diabetes. Another is to get regular exercise. Thirty minutes of daily routine can help reduce your risk of developing diabetes. Finally, eating a healthy diet is essential. Eating plenty of vegetables and monitoring your sugar intake can help to lower your risk of developing diabetes.
Having the risk factors for diabetes is not a guarantee of becoming a diabetic. However, it is essential to be monitored by a doctor. Regular checkups and blood tests can help catch pre-diabetes before it progresses to diabetes. In addition, some treatments can help lower your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of developing diabetes if you develop pre-diabetes.
As we age, we must be aware of the signs and symptoms of pre-diabetes so we can take steps to prevent the progression to full-blown diabetes. Some common signs include fatigue, increased thirst, and frequent urination. When experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to talk to your doctor to get a blood sugar test and find out if you have pre-diabetes. With early diagnosis and treatment, you can often delay or even prevent the onset of diabetes.
