Shed Pounds and Risk for Diabetes

Nearly 80 million people have prediabetes. And most of them don’t even know it.

Nine out of 10 people with the condition that leads to diabetes are unaware that their blood sugar levels are too high.

Additionally, recent research has shown prediabetes can cause long-term damage to the heart and circulatory system, according to the American Diabetes Association. Having prediabetes puts someone at a 50 percent increased risk for heart disease and stroke.

Fortunately, people with prediabetes can prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes by eating healthy foods, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight.

People of all ages and races can have prediabetes but some groups face a higher risk. African-Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders as well as older people have an increased risk for prediabetes and diabetes.

There are three tests health professionals use to determine whether someone has prediabetes. The blood sugar levels measured after the tests indicate whether a person has a normal metabolism or prediabetes – also known as impaired fasting glucose (IFG), or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).

Studies show that people with prediabetes can prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes by up to 58 percent by losing weight and working out, according to the ADA.

Most people who have prediabetes often have no symptoms.

Source: American Diabetes Association