Receiving a prediabetes diagnosis can understandably cause concern and confusion. However, this condition is distinctly different from a full type 2 diabetes diagnosis and should be viewed as a critical window for positive health intervention.
Understanding a Prediabetes Diagnosis
In the lead-up to World Diabetes Day on November 14, Emma Pike, deputy head of clinical at Diabetes UK, clarified the meaning of prediabetes. "Prediabetes is quite commonly used by healthcare professionals to describe higher-than-normal blood glucose levels, but not high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis," Pike explains.
The condition is typically identified through an HbA1c blood test, which measures average blood sugar levels over two to three months. A reading between 42 and 47 mmol/mol indicates prediabetes, while a level of 48 mmol/mol or above confirms diabetes.
Reversing the Risk: A Realistic Goal
The prospect of developing type 2 diabetes is not inevitable. Up to 50% of people can prevent or delay its onset after a prediabetes diagnosis. Understanding personal risk factors is the first step, and support is readily available through programmes like the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.
For ongoing monitoring, health guidelines suggest an annual HbA1c test for those at high risk. This check-up often includes assessments of body weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol to build a complete health picture.
Practical Steps for a Healthier Future
Healthcare professionals recommend several evidence-based lifestyle adjustments to reduce risk:
Weight Management and Diet: Sensitive conversations about body weight can lead to tailored dietary plans and increased physical activity. A healthy eating pattern is encouraged, focusing on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Physical Activity: The UK's Chief Medical Officers recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, complemented by strength training on two days.
Sleep and Smoking: Both insufficient and excessive sleep have been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, smoking is a known risk factor, making access to stop-smoking services highly beneficial.
Finding the Right Support
You are not alone in managing prediabetes. Diabetes UK offers extensive online resources, including a prevention section, recipes, and a 'Know Your Risk' tool. Their online forum provides valuable peer support, as does the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, which connects people in similar situations.
Finally, support from family and friends is invaluable. Making sustainable changes to diet and activity levels is significantly easier with the encouragement of loved ones.
