8 Frequently Asked Questions About Prediabetes

Do you feel lost and alone in your efforts to control your prediabetes?

Due to the invisibility of its symptoms, prediabetes is just one of many illnesses that can be fought in silence.

When your blood sugar levels are not under control, but you appear to be in good health, it can feel isolating.

OnPoint Nutrition has helped more than 3,000 clients with their unique health challenges, including hundreds with prediabetes. OnPoint's approach to managing prediabetes provides the expertise you need to feel better!

Learn more about how we can help you manage your prediabetes and its symptoms.

What is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. It's a warning sign that your body is having trouble processing sugar the way it should. If left untreated, prediabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes, which can cause serious health problems like heart disease, eye problems, and nerve damage.

Think of it like a traffic light. When you're driving and see a yellow light, you know that you need to be careful and slow down because the red light is coming up. 

Prediabetes is like the yellow light - it's a warning that your body is having trouble processing sugar and if you don't make changes to your lifestyle, you might develop diabetes. 

But if you make some changes to your diet, exercise more, and maintain a healthy weight, you can keep your blood sugar levels under control and avoid developing type 2 diabetes.

What Are The Early Warning Signs of Prediabetes?

People with prediabetes commonly experience generic symptoms such as increased thirst and hunger, fatigue, and blurred vision. 

Prediabetes warning signs and symptoms include:

• Pain, which may be constant and persist for several days (usually the lower left side of the abdomen, although sometimes the right side may be more painful)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Abdominal tenderness
• Constipation or, less commonly, diarrhea

These symptoms are all signs of elevated blood sugar levels, which can be a precursor to full-blown diabetes. For this reason, it's crucial to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to prevent the progression of prediabetes to diabetes. 

See your doctor as soon as possible if these symptoms persist, especially for a few days.

A registered dietitian can help you make the necessary dietary changes to manage your prediabetes and reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

Some Common Warning Signs of Prediabetes Include:

• Fatigue or feeling very tired
• Blurred vision
• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Slow-healing cuts or bruises
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
• Dark patches on the skin, particularly around the neck or armpits

Frequently Asked Questions About Prediabetes Include:

1. What causes prediabetes?

Prediabetes is caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, being overweight, and a lack of physical activity. It’s important to be aware of your risk factors so that you can get ahead of this disease, as early treatment is a clear advantage in managing or breaking free from this condition.

The same factors that increase the odds of getting type 2 diabetes also increase the risk of prediabetes. 

These common risk factors of prediabetes include:

• Weight: Being overweight is a primary risk factor for prediabetes. The more fatty tissue you have — especially inside and between the muscle and skin around your abdomen — the more resistant your cells become to insulin.
• Waist size: A large waist size can indicate insulin resistance. The risk of insulin resistance goes up for men with waists larger than 40 inches and for women with waists larger than 35 inches.
• Diet: Eating red meat and processed meat, and drinking sugar-sweetened beverages, is associated with a higher risk of prediabetes.
• Inactivity: The less active you are, the greater your risk of prediabetes.
• Age: Although diabetes can develop at any age, the risk of prediabetes increases after age 35.
• Family history: Your risk of prediabetes increases if you have a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes.
• Race or ethnicity: Although it's unclear why, certain people — including Black, Hispanic, American Indian and Asian American people — are more likely to develop prediabetes.
• Gestational diabetes: If you had diabetes while pregnant (gestational diabetes), you and your child are at higher risk of developing prediabetes.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome: Women with this common condition — characterized by irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth and obesity — have a higher risk of prediabetes.
• Sleep: People with obstructive sleep apnea — a condition that disrupts sleep repeatedly — have an increased risk of insulin resistance. People who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea.
• Tobacco smoke: Smoking may increase insulin resistance and can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes in people with prediabetes. Smoking also increases your risk of complications from diabetes.

Other conditions associated with an increased risk of prediabetes include:

• High blood pressure
• Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol
• High levels of triglycerides (a type of fat in your blood)

2. Can prediabetes be reversed?

Yes, prediabetes can be reversed with lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight loss. This is where a professional like a registered dietitian comes in handy for a diabetes weight loss plan, as they have the training and skills necessary to help you manage your journey in a safe and healthy way.

3. How can I prevent prediabetes from turning into diabetes?

You can prevent prediabetes from turning into diabetes by making healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet, getting regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight.

4. Should I see a doctor if I think I have prediabetes?

Yes, it's important to see a doctor if you think you may have prediabetes. Your doctor can perform tests to determine your blood sugar levels and make recommendations for lifestyle changes or medication if necessary. 

Early treatment can help prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, lifestyle changes can help you manage and prevent the progression of prediabetes. 

Eating a balanced diet that is low in sugar and saturated fats, getting regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help to improve blood sugar control and prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.

Here are 4 more frequently asked questions about prediabetes:

5. What Are the Benefits of Treating Prediabetes?

Treating prediabetes can help to improve overall health, reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and its related health complications, and improve energy levels and overall quality of life.

6. Can prediabetes be prevented?

Yes, prediabetes can often be prevented through lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular physical activity.

7. How is Prediabetes Diagnosed?

Prediabetes is diagnosed through a blood test that measures your blood sugar levels. A doctor may perform a fasting blood glucose test, an oral glucose tolerance test, or an A1C test to diagnose prediabetes.

8. Are There Any Medications for Prediabetes?

While lifestyle changes are the primary method of treating prediabetes, some people may need medication in addition to lifestyle changes to keep their blood sugar levels under control. 

Your doctor can determine if medication is necessary and recommend the best options for you.

It's important to remember that early detection and treatment of prediabetes can help prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes and improve overall health. 

If you have any concerns or think you may be at risk for prediabetes, talk to your doctor about getting tested and developing a plan to manage your health.

How Can An Online Dietitian Help With Prediabetes?

Once you've received your diagnosis, it's important to follow a healthy diet that nourishes your body and helps to manage your prediabetes. 

Finding the right balance of food and lifestyle can be difficult, especially if you don't have training or knowledge specific to nutrition and prediabetes.

To help you lead a happier and healthier life, a knowledgeable nutrition expert, such as a registered dietitian, will take into consideration all of your specific needs and circumstances related to your prediabetes.

By choosing to learn more about nutrition and prediabetes, you can take control of your health and adopt a lifestyle that will help you be the best version of yourself. 

You don't have to let your diagnosis define your life.

At OnPoint Nutrition, our approach to nutrition counseling is holistic and backed by research. 

We believe that diet and lifestyle have a major impact on health and wellness, and our team of experts is ready to help you start your journey to better health.

To ensure long-term success, a dietitian will monitor your progress and adjust your plan as needed. 

With the support of a trained expert, you can live a healthier and more fulfilling life–even while managing prediabetes. 

Let's work together to achieve the better health you deserve.

Taking the Next Steps

Prediabetes may seem like a daunting challenge, but with determination and persistence, it can be managed and even reversed.

Now that you're aware of your condition, it's time to take action. Take a close look at your current lifestyle and diet and see what changes can be made to improve your health.

Our team of experts has helped over 3,000 people achieve wellness and maintain a healthy lifestyle. We stay up to date with the latest research and adjust our approach to ensure our clients receive the best care possible.

Consistency and sustainability are key to long-term success, which is why our team of registered dietitians will monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.

We'll keep a close eye on your symptoms and make sure that your experience is tailored to your specific needs, providing you with long-term relief and a higher quality of life.

Don't let prediabetes control your life. Get in touch with our team of experts at OnPoint Nutrition and start on the path to a healthier, happier you!

Let's give you the tools you need to start making the changes in your life and lead to the better health you deserve.