As many as 41 million American between the ages of 40 and 74 may have prediabetes, a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes, the University of Michigan Health System website reports. Recognizing prediabetes and treating it aggressively may prevent you from developing diabetes. Having your blood tested every 1 to 2 years or more if you have prediabetes is prudent. Around 11 percent of people with prediabetes develop diabetes within a three year period, the American Diabetes Association warns.
Acanthosis Nigrans
One of the few physical signs of potential prediabetes, acanthosis nigrans consists of darkened areas of skin around the armpits, neck, elbows, knees and knuckles, according to MayoClinic.com. Acanthosis nigrans is often seen in overweight people who have insulin resistance, according to DermNetNZ. Insulin resistance, the inability of cells to properly utilize insulin to remove glucose from your blood leads to prediabetes. If you have acanthosis nigrans, ask your medical practitioner about having blood work to check your blood glucose levels.
Blood Tests
Most people with prediabetes don't feel any differently until they develop diabetes, and possibly not even then. Blood tests, however, will show changes that indicate prediabetes. A normal fasting blood glucose level falls under 100 mg per deciliter, or mg/dL. A fasting blood glucose level between 101 and 125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes. An oral glucose tolerance test measures your blood glucose levels before and after eating or drinking a snack high in carbohydrates. Two hours after consuming the snack, your blood glucose should fall below 140mg/dL. If you have prediabetes, your levels will fall between 140 and 199 mg/dL. Levels over 199 indicate diabetes, the ADA says.
Diet
If you have prediabetes, you can reduce your risk of developing diabetes by 58 percent by exercising for 30 minutes a day and losing 50 to 10 percent of your body weight, the American Diabetes Association reports. Following a 1,500 to 1,800 calorie diet can help you lose weight. The recommended daily intake of carbohydrates for people with prediabetes ranges between 40 and 60 percent of your daily calorie intake, James Norman, M.D states on endocrineweb. All carbohydrates convert to glucose for use in cells, but complex carbohydrates and foods with a low-glycemic index digest more slowly, making your feel full longer. Your calorie limits and nutritional requirements may differ from others, so working with a dietitian helps devise a plan that will helps you lose weight and feel your best at the same time.
