Here is some useful information from the American Diabetes Association.
What is prediabetes?
Prediabetes is a condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes and heart disease. When you have prediabetes, your blood glucose (sugar) levels are higher than normal but are not high enough to be called diabetes. Diabetes can lead to many health problems, so it's better to prevent it in the first place. You can take steps to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Am I at risk for diabetes or prediabetes?
You are likely to develop prediabetes when you have certain risk factors. Your chances of having prediabetes goes up if you:
- are age 45 or older
- are African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander
- have a parent, brother or sister with diabetes
- are overweight
- are physically inactive
- have high blood pressure or if you take medicine for high blood pressure
- have low HDL cholesterol and/or high triglycerides
- are a woman who had diabetes during pregnancy
- have been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
How do I find out if I have diabetes or prediabetes?
Ask your health care team to order a blood test called HBA1c. It's simple, inexpensive and does not require fasting. It can be done at your next office visit or sooner.
How can I prevent or delay diabetes?
You can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes from developing by:
- cutting back on calories and saturated fat
- losing weight
- increasing your daily physical activity
Your health care team is ready to work with you to take care of your prediabetes. Esse Health offers prediabetes and diabetes group visits at many of our offices. These are led by dietitians and nurse practitioners with expertise and interest in diabetes and prediabetes
Contact Mindy Musselman at 314-851-1033 for a list of times and locations offering the prediabetes and diabetes group visits.
