Prediabetes: Can You Stop Development of Diabetes with Lifestyle Changes?

Dr.Vikram Singh, 4 mins read

It can be a stressful condition to manage. Some people are born with it or prone to it because of an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle. If you are pre-diabetic, your blood sugars are higher than the normal range, which the name implies. A result of a poor lifestyle and diet is prediabetes. Through regular blood tests, prediabetes could be identified.

Prediabetes is one of the most important indicators of your likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. It is treatable, in contrast to type-2 diabetes. It is possible to restore blood sugar levels to normal by making lifestyle adjustments, eating a balanced diet, and getting active. 

In the article below, we will discuss ways to manage the signs of diabetes early by making changes to your life.

Prediabetes is what it sounds like.

Diabetes is when glucose levels in the blood are constantly excessively high. People with prediabetes have more blood sugar levels than the norm; however, these levels aren't as high as diabetes.

The digestion system can break down foods and create glucose, which then goes to the bloodstream. The hormone insulin assists cells in absorbing glucose and utilizing it for energy.

Different types of diabetes have various reasons:

• Diabetes type 1: The body's immune system attacks the pancreas's cells which produce insulin. In the absence of insulin, glucose remains in the bloodstream, which increases blood sugar levels.
• Diabetes type 2: The cells cease responding to insulin, which hinders their ability to take glucose out of the blood. This is called insulin resistance.

The condition can cause complications in the health field, which include:

• Kidney disease
• Stroke
• Eye issues
• Heart disease
• Nerve damage

Prediabetes: Cells can become insulin-resistant, or the body could begin to produce less insulin. Blood sugar levels rise, however, not as much as those in type 2 diabetes.

The risk of developing prediabetes is increased for stroke and heart disease, as well as the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.

Can the effects of diabetes be reversed naturally?

If a person has Type 1 Diabetes, they require daily insulin shots to control the condition. Researchers have not yet discovered an effective way to treat or reverse the effects of type 1 diabetes.

People with type 2 diabetes might be able to reverse the disease through weight loss proper diet and exercise, in remission, when their blood sugars remain normal for at least six months. Remission, however, isn't an effective cure for diabetes type 2 since the condition could recur.

For prediabetes patients, measures like losing weight and working out regularly could help reverse the insulin resistance effects. These actions can help delay or stop the development of type 2 diabetes.

Take care to eat healthily.

If you have diabetes, it is crucial to know that your food can affect your blood sugar levels. There are no foods that are strictly prohibited. Consume enough food your body needs. Take advantage of various vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Choose lean meats and low-fat dairy products. 

Avoid sugary and fat-rich food items. Be aware that sugar is made from carbohydrates, so you should restrict your consumption. Be sure to keep the exact amount from meal to dinner. It is essential to require insulin or other medicines to regulate blood sugar levels.

Inculcate exercising regularly

It's time to start exercising if you still need to do so. You can exercise without having to join the gym. Walking around and riding bikes or a bike. These are simple ways to incorporate regular exercise routines. 

Most of the time, it is recommended to aim for 30 minutes of activity which causes you to sweat more and breathe harder. You can take better care of your diabetes by living an active lifestyle that helps lower your blood sugar. In addition, it reduces the risk of developing heart problems. In addition, it aids in the relief of stress and weight loss.

Get regular check-ups

Make an appointment with your doctor regularly, at least twice per year. Diabetes may also increase the chances of developing other heart-related diseases. Know your blood pressure, cholesterol, and A1c numbers (average blood sugar levels over three months). 

Regularly scheduled check-ups will aid in identifying the gradual rises in the levels of your blood sugar and can help you avoid developing diabetes, possibly prediabetes.

Take care of your mental health.

Stress triggers the levels of blood sugar to increase. In addition, anxiety could impact how well you manage your diabetes. It is possible that you do not practice your exercise routine, take your medication or eat well. 

Find ways to relax by doing yoga, deep breathing, or other relaxing activities. If necessary, we recommend you consult a health professional. Therapy, meditation guidance, etc., are all beneficial in improving our mental well-being.

Be mindful of your drinking

Beware of excessive amounts of alcohol like beer, wine, and other alcohol-based drinks that can aid in managing your blood sugar levels. Do not overindulge if you choose to consume alcohol. Alcohol can cause a dramatic rise or decrease in blood sugar. 

Before drinking alcohol:

1. Test your blood sugar levels and make sure you are taking precautions to avoid drops.
2. Consume food when drinking if you have diabetes and are taking insulin or other medicines.
3. Be aware of this when counting your carbs, as some drinks, like spritzers, could contain more.

Reducing stress

Stress triggers the body to release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which could contribute to the development of resistance to insulin. Constant stress can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.

Relaxation and relaxation can allow a person to reduce stress levels. People who are worried about their diabetes may be more relaxed when they know more about it through informational materials or an online support group.

Stop smoking now

Diabetes can increase your chances of developing heart disease, nerve damage, kidney disease, eye disease, blood vessel disease, and stroke. The likelihood of developing these conditions is higher when you smoke. Smoking cigarettes can make it difficult to exercise. Consult your doctor about quitting options.

When should you see a doctor?

One can perform an easy screening from the CDC to determine whether they are at a higher risk of developing prediabetes. If the test shows elevated risk, a person is advised to consult their physician about taking a blood glucose test to determine if they suffer from prediabetes or diabetes.

If you are experiencing symptoms of diabetes, you need to see the doctor. The symptoms could include:

• Blurry vision
• Extreme thirst
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Feeling constantly hungry
• Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in hands or feet
• Slow healing of bruises or cuts
  

Conclusion

In the end, even small adjustments to your lifestyle can significantly improve your overall health. You can reduce the chances of developing diabetes by addressing these aspects. The condition of prediabetes is one to be aware of since it could cause type 2 diabetes.

Changes in lifestyle, such as being active and eating a healthy diet, could help people manage or reverse the effects of prediabetes. Patients with prediabetes should consult their medical team for advice and suggestions for achieving their health objectives.

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