Prediabetes

Prediabetes means that your blood sugar (glucose) levels are higher than normal. Prediabetes increases your risk for type 2 diabetes. The chart below shows tests that help to diagnosis prediabetes.

About Glucose

Glucose is needed by every cell in your body. Insulin helps the cells use glucose. For people with prediabetes, insulin levels may be lower, or the cells may be resistant to insulin. As a result, cells do not get the energy they need and blood glucose rises.

Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance means that the cells do not use insulin as normal. Glucose builds up in the blood. This extra glucose causes damage over time.

What You Can Do

Making these healthy changes can help to delay or prevent diabetes.

• Be physically active every day. This makes your cells more sensitive to insulin. Start slowly. This can be just 3-5 minutes at first. Work up to 30 minutes or more each day. Try activities you enjoy.

• Limit foods and drinks with added sugar. Choose water, tea or coffee. Avoid fruit juice, fruit drinks, lemonade, sweetened teas, etc. Limit sweets or desserts.

• Find ways to manage stress.

• Ask about a diabetes prevention program or class. If you have prediabetes, a Diabetes Prevention Program can help you build healthy habits and lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. You'll learn simple ways to eat healthier, be more active, and make lasting lifestyle changes that support a healthy weight and improve your overall health.
  

For more information, please go to https://patient.uwhealth.org/ and search “lifestyle change program.”