Diabetes is a serious disease that should not be taken lightly. It can create other health issues and cause complications.
The good news is that diabetes can be controlled, and in some cases can even be prevented before it becomes an issue.
First, it’s important to understand what diabetes is and then we can begin to understand how it can be prevented.
What is Prediabetes?
Often before a diabetes diagnosis is announced something called prediabetes is identified. Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than they should be but not high enough to qualify for a diabetes diagnosis. Prediabetes CAN be prevented.
That’s why it’s important to understand what the numbers mean. An important number to know is your A1C level which is calculated by a test that measures what percentage of your hemoglobin is coated with sugar. “The higher your A1C level, the poorer your blood sugar control and the higher the risk for diabetes complications.”1
An A1C level below 5.7% is considered normal. Ranges between 5.7% and 6.4% are considered prediabetes and anything over 6.5% indicates diabetes. This is an important number to watch to help keep things under control.
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
The immune system creates antibodies that destroy insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin is needed for cells to take up glucose. If insulin is lacking, as is the case with Type 1, then this raises blood glucose levels and results in diabetes. A person living with Type 1 diabetes requires insulin therapy because they lack the cells needed to produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes CAN NOT be prevented.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Considered to be the more common form of diabetes, Type 2 occurs when cells in the body become more resistant to the effects of insulin, so less glucose is taken up by the cells. This raises blood glucose. Cells in the pancreas try to produce and release more insulin to overcome this resistance. Over time, the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin and blood glucose levels remain high resulting in diabetes. Type 2 diabetes CAN be prevented.
Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors
Because Type 2 diabetes can be prevented, let’s take a look at the factors that can be controlled.
- ● Weight. The more fatty tissue you have, the more resistant your cells become to insulin. Working to lose excess weight can help in prevention.
- ● Inactivity. The less active you are, the greater your risk. Physical activity helps you control your weight, uses glucose as energy and makes cells more sensitive to insulin.
- ● Family history. Your risk increases if a parent or sibling has type 2 diabetes. It’s important to know your family history and be prepared for potential outcomes.
- ● Age. Your risk increases as you get older. This may be because you tend to exercise less, lose muscle mass and gain weight as you age. It’s important to stay active and visit your doctor regularly to stay ahead of the risks.
- ● High blood pressure. High blood pressure is linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Regular checks and management can help to prevent other complications down the road.
- ● Abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels. If you have low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good,” cholesterol, your risk of type 2 diabetes is higher. Triglycerides are another type of fat carried in the blood. People with high levels of triglycerides have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Cholesterol can often be easily controlled by diet and exercise and can help reduce the risks associated with diabetes.
Preventing Pre-Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes
Being told that you are at risk of developing either of the two definitely serves as a wakeup call, but there are many things you can do before or after this happens.
- ● Do your research. Search the Internet and gain a better understanding. Knowledge truly is power and there are a host of resources available these days. Check out the resources at Quest Health Solutions to help you get started.
- ● Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and find others who are experiencing the same thing to find a network of support.
- ● Start reading labels. Making sense of food labels and understanding what is in your food is the first step in managing and controlling your daily food intake.
- ● Eat healthier. Choose foods that are lower in fat, sugar and calories and higher in fiber. Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains and stay away from processed and packaged foods with added sugars. Strive for variety to prevent boredom.
- ● Exercise and get more physically active. Any movement is better than no movement at all, but you should aim for 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity. The key is to do something and get started – take the stairs at work, park further away, go for a walk at lunch – do something.
- ● Lose extra pounds. Being overweight is a big risk factor. If you’re overweight, losing weight can reduce the risk of Diabetes.
- ● Stay focused. This is not a diet or a short-term fix. Preventing Diabetes requires a lifestyle change, a positive mindset and the determination to make a difference in your life. You want to control Diabetes before it controls you.
There are prescription medications that can help reduce the risks of Diabetes, but healthy lifestyle changes are always the safer and most natural options. Prevention also requires regular check-ups and blood tests to make sure your levels continue to stay in range.
FINDING resources to help you through the process
At Quest Health Solutions, our mission is to create awareness and provide support and education to our patients and healthcare providers. By working together, we can all learn how to take control of Diabetes. Whether you are a patient, a healthcare provider, a Diabetic educator or a loved one looking for more information, we are here to support you on this journey. To learn more, contact us 1-877-888-7050 Option 3, Ext. 1011, email ben@questhealthsolutions.com or schedule an appointment today. In the meantime, please continue to check our blog for more information and let us know about any topics you would like to learn more about in the future.
1. Mayo Clinic. A1C Test. Available at Click Here accessed on 28 January 2022.