Is Borderline Blood Sugar Dangerous: Many of us assume that if the fasting sugar is ‘almost normal’ or the HbA1c is slightly below the diabetic limit, then all is well. But this could be the biggest mistake. Borderline sugar levels are a sign that the body is struggling internally. Blood sugar does not increase suddenly, it goes up gradually over years and during this time starts damaging blood vessels, nerves and organs.

What do experts say?

Senior endocrinologist Dr. Swati Pandit told TOI Health that the cases of pre-diabetes in India are more than that of diabetes. An ICMR study found that the diabetes rate in the country is about 11.4 percent, while pre-diabetes is present in about 15.3 percent people. If fasting sugar is above 110, after eating above 160 and HbA1c is between 5.7 to 6.4, then it is considered borderline or pre-diabetes. It is not safe to ignore it, because this is the stage from where the disease can become fully developed.

When should one worry?

Often people think that unless there are any symptoms, there is no need to worry. But signs like insulin resistance, mild sugar spikes after meals or sudden fatigue indicate that the body is losing balance. This is the time when changes can be made with caution and the situation can be reversed. Dr. Pandit says that the biggest mistake is to take the increased sugar level lightly. Working for long hours while sitting, irregular eating habits, late breakfast or dinner, sleeping more during the day and staying awake at night, all these habits can push sugar towards diabetes. Apart from this, excessive alcohol, smoking, family history and increasing weight also increase the risk.

How can one avoid this?

Experts say that the good thing is that pre-diabetes can be reversed in many cases. Balanced and timely meals, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and reduction in stress are very important. It is considered safe to keep fasting sugar below 110, post-prandial sugar below 160 and HbA1c below 5.6, but if there is a history of diabetes in the family or the lifestyle is unhealthy, then more caution is necessary. Diabetes is not just a disease, but prepares the ground for many serious diseases, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney and liver problems, stroke and can even increase the risk of cancer.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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Diabetes cases are increasing rapidly in many countries around the world including India. An important study is about to begin in Nepal, led by the University of Glasgow in Scotland, which aims to find out whether type-2 diabetes can be prevented or even reversed by returning to a traditional diet. Researchers say that reducing processed food and losing weight can prove to be a low-cost and effective solution for South Asia.

Type-2 diabetes is increasing rapidly

Type-2 diabetes is increasing rapidly in South Asia and other low- and middle-income countries. Experts are now trying to understand whether modern, ultra-processed and high-calorie foods are the major reason behind the spread of this disease. In this direction, the University of Glasgow in collaboration with Dhulikhel Hospital of Nepal has started an international project, which has been named CoDIAPREM.

Conclusion will come in 4 years

This four-year project will run from 2026 to 2030 and has received funding of £1.78 million from the Harvard Foundation. Led by diabetes and human nutrition expert Professor Michael Lean, the study will investigate whether adopting traditional diets at community level can prevent type 2 diabetes and whether people with pre-existing conditions can achieve long-term remission.

Cases increased rapidly in Nepal also

Till a few decades ago, type-2 diabetes was very rare in Nepal. Although genetic risk exists in South Asian populations, as the consumption of processed and energy-dense foods increased and people gained weight, the incidence of the disease also increased rapidly. Today it is estimated that one out of every five people above 40 years of age in Nepal is affected by Type-2 diabetes. It is difficult for many people to bear the expense of long-term medicines and regular check-ups.

What will happen in this?

The CoDIAPREM project will test whether people can achieve moderate weight loss by re-adopting a traditional diet and reducing processed foods. Weight loss plays an important role in the prevention and remission of diabetes. This program will not be based on hospitals, but will be run at the community level with the help of local volunteers, so that it can be implemented even in areas with less resources. The study will look at whether a traditional diet can prevent new diabetes cases, whether patients can maintain normal blood sugar for a long time without medication and whether this change is sustainable for many years. Initial pilot studies conducted in Nepal have shown encouraging results at low cost.

This research is based on global evidence showing a link between ultra-processed foods, obesity and insulin resistance. According to the World Health Organization and International Diabetes Federation, excess fat in the body damages organs like liver and pancreas and impairs blood sugar control.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator