What Is Prediabetes And Why Is It Dangerous: Prediabetes is a condition when a person’s blood sugar level is higher than normal, but not high enough to be called type-2 diabetes. Many people consider it just a warning or early sign, but doctors take it very seriously. Actually, this is the stage of the body when disturbances in metabolism have started and if care is not taken in time, it can turn into diabetes in the future.

Cases are increasing rapidly worldwide

The cases of prediabetes are increasing rapidly worldwide. According to many reports, a large number of people are suffering from this condition, but they are not even aware of it. If blood sugar remains above normal for a long time, damage can gradually begin inside the body. This affects blood vessels, heart and metabolic system. This is why doctors consider it an early warning, so that the situation can be handled in time.

What do experts say?

Endocrinologist Dr Shivani Chauhan told TOI that prediabetes is found in people whose glucose or HbA1c level does not reach the diabetes limit, but carbohydrate metabolism is not normal. In such people, fasting blood sugar may be increased or glucose tolerance may be reduced. Generally, if the HbA1c level is between 5.7 to 6.4 percent, it is placed in the category of prediabetes.

Why is concern increasing?

Doctors’ concern also increases because this condition often progresses silently. Sometimes small changes begin in the body, such as damage to blood vessels and nerves, which can cause serious diseases over a long period of time. If attention is not paid at this stage, the risk of type-2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and other metabolic problems increases later on.

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Today’s lifestyle is also becoming a major reason behind this. Excessive processed foods, sugary beverages, refined carbohydrates, sitting for long periods of time and increasing obesity promote insulin resistance. Apart from this, with increasing age, metabolism slows down and physical activities start decreasing, due to which the risk further increases.

Can it be controlled?

The good thing is that if prediabetes is identified at the right time, it can be controlled. Doctors first recommend changes in lifestyle. Taking a balanced diet, doing regular exercise and keeping weight under control proves to be very helpful. According to experts, at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week can help in keeping blood sugar balanced. In many people, these changes alone bring blood sugar back to normal levels.

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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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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.

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

Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator