Pre-Diabetes Treatment Helps Prevent Diabetes
Diet and Exercise is Effective for Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Aug 12, 2008
Pre-diabetes, also called Impaired Glucose Tolerance or Impaired Fasting Glucose, is when blood glucose is higher than normal but has not reached a level consistent with a diagnosis of diabetes. Approximately 57 million American adults had pre-diabetes in 2007, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).
Pre-diabetes is an indication that a person may develop type 2 diabetes and that damage to your heart and circulatory system may have already begun. Proper care after a diagnosis of pre-diabetes has been shown to reduce the onset of diabetes by 58 percent. ["National Diabetes Statistics", 2007, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases]
Risk Factors for Pre-diabetes
Risk factors for developing pre-diabetes are the same risk factors for developing diabetes. Some of the higher risks are from:
- Being overweight
- Being over 45
- Being inactive
- Ethnicity (Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, and Asian Americans are at higher risk)
- Family history of diabetes
- Gestational Diabetes (women who developed gestational diabetes are at a higher risk for developing diabetes later in life)
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
Diagnosing Pre-diabetes
There are two main tests used to determine if someone has Pre-diabetes. Both tests require a person to fast overnight before the test. The fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) tests the blood glucose level in the morning before eating. The oral glucose tolerance tests the blood glucose level after fasting. The patient then drinks a glucose-rich drink and is tested again two hours later.
Diet Helps Reduce the Risk of Developing Diabetes
The American Diabetes Association recommends losing between five percent and ten percent of body weight if you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes. Being overweight is the primary risk factor in developing diabetes and losing weight is an effective way to reduce the risks, especially if pre-diabetes is present. Losing just ten pounds can decrease your chances of developing diabetes.
Although there are numerous fad diets and diet aids available, certain changes in eating habits have proven to be the most effective way to lose weight. The American Diabetes Association suggests the following:
- Increase the number of fruits and vegetables you eat
- Choose products made from whole grain rather than processed grains
- Add dried beans and lentils to your meals
- Eat fish at least two times per week
- Eat lean meats, such as chicken or turkey (with skin off) and choose sirloin or pork loin.
- Use non-fat dairy products
- Reduce or eliminate sugary drinks
- Reduce high sugar and high calorie snacks and desserts
- Reduce portion sizes
Exercise is an Important Part of Treatment for Pre-diabetes
Exercise plans do not need to be elaborate or expensive. Taking a walk for ten minutes each day can decrease your chances of developing diabetes, although experts advise being active for 30 minutes each day ["Frequently Asked Questions about Pre-diabetes", American Diabetes Association]. It is important to consult with a medical professional before beginning any exercise program.
Medication to Treat Pre-diabetes
Diet and exercise have been shown to be the most effective treatment for pre-diabetes and for preventing diabetes from developing. However, for some people, lifestyle changes are not enough. Their risk may be extremely high or their glucose levels have not improved substantially after incorporating diet and exercise into their lives. In this case diabetes medications are prescribed to help stabilize glucose levels.
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References:
“National Diabetes Statistics”, 2007, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
“Making Healthy Food Choices”, Date Unknown, American Diabetes Association
“Your Game Plan to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes”, 2008, National Diabetes Education Program
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