No one enjoys finding out their blood sugar is higher than normal, which is caused by a condition known as prediabetes. But in reality, this diagnosis is a warning signal that empowers you to take action to avoid the progression to type 2 diabetes. Working closely with an outstanding physician like Kadie E. Leach, MD, is a great place to get started.
If you have prediabetes, it’s possible to take action and prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. Here are 5 tips to help you avoid that diagnosis.
One of the most important ways to stay on top of your health is by coming in for routine physical exams and lab testing. Today’s technology allows you to gain deep insight into exactly how your body is functioning. This includes tracking how well your body is converting food into energy.
When you digest food, it’s broken down into sugar called glucose. Your body produces a hormone called insulin that helps glucose to enter the cells and deliver nourishment. If you experience a problem with insulin production or regulation over time, too much glucose can build up in your bloodstream, a condition called diabetes.
Dr. Leach provides screening tools that look at how much glucose is present in your blood. Higher-than-normal levels lead to a diagnosis of prediabetes. Left unchecked, prediabetes progresses to type 2 diabetes, which carries a number of serious health risks.
The easiest place to begin is by taking a close look at the foods and drinks you consume. Most people know that consuming sugary foods and drinks is not a healthy choice. But choosing highly processed foods and those made of refined carbohydrates like flour is also a problem. Like sugar, refined carbs also raise your blood sugar quickly.
You can find information online about which foods to avoid. But you also need to know how to replace those foods with healthier options. For most people, swapping out refined foods for more fruit and vegetables is an easy starting point. Dr. Leach can talk with you about an eating plan or refer you to a registered dietitian for nutrition counseling.
The obligations of family, work, and community can leave you with little energy at the end of the day. But staying active should also earn a spot on your daily to-do list.
Everyone’s lifestyle is a bit different, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t have time to dive into a new exercise regimen. Making small changes can have a big impact, so consider ways to increase the number of steps you take each day.
That might mean adding a morning or evening walk to your routine. If you find yourself driving from one location to the next most days, try parking at the farthest end of the lot to squeeze in a little more walking. You may want to do simple stretches and resistance band exercises while watching TV.
If you’re overweight or have obesity, one of the most important steps to avoid type 2 diabetes is shedding some excess weight. Even losing a small percentage of your body weight can dramatically reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Setting an achievable goal is important. It allows you to feel confident in your progress and take things one step at a time. Dr. Leach can review your overall health and help you set weight loss goals.
Learning you have prediabetes means you have a chance to make the changes necessary to avoid a full-blown diabetes diagnosis. While it may not seem like a positive thing, a prediabetes diagnosis can be the motivation you need to take control of your health.
You aren’t alone. Dr. Leach is here to help you chart a course to renewed health and wellness. That journey starts with an in-person visit to our office in Lanham, Maryland. You can set up online or by phone today.
