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The Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Complications of Prediabetes

Did you know that one out of every three Americans is prediabetic? Those with prediabetes have blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, yet not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes. If left untreated, this condition will develop into type 2 diabetes in at least five years. However, before this stage is reached, long term damage to the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys may begin to take place. Thankfully, with proper treatment, prediabetes can be fully reversed. So, if you think you or somebody you know may have this condition, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. For your reference, the following are the main symptoms and risk factors of prediabetes.

Prediabetes Symptoms

Oftentimes, patients experience no symptoms of prediabetes. In fact, according to the CDC, only 10% of people ever realize that they have prediabetes. However, when symptoms do occur, they are typically similar to less-severe versions of type II diabetes symptoms, such as

  • Darkened skin on the neck, armpits, elbows, knees, or knuckles
  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred vision.

Because these symptoms often do not occur, it’s typically more helpful to pay attention to the risk factors of prediabetes.

 

Prediabetes Risk Factors

There are many factors that can put you at a higher risk of prediabetes. They include

  • Having a family history of diabetes
  • Living an inactive lifestyle
  • Being overweight
  • Having a waist size of more than 40 inches for men
  • Having a waist size of more than 35 inches for women
  • Eating a diet consisting of red meat, processed meat, and sugary beverages
  • Being over the age of 45
  • Being of African-American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian, or Pacific Islander descent
  • Having gestational diabetes in the past while pregnant
  • Having Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Sleeping irregularly or having sleep apnea
  • Having high blood pressure
  • Having low levels of HDL cholesterol

If you have any of these risk factors, ask your doctor for a simple blood test to determine your chances of developing diabetes. Otherwise, you might run into some troubling complications.

Prediabetes Complications

The main complication associated with prediabetes is that if left untreated it inevitably develops into type 2 diabetes. Health conditions and complications associated with type 2 diabetes  include
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Kidney disease
  • Blindness
  • Amputations.

However, these health problems are not guaranteed. With proper treatment, patients can avoid most—if not all—of the complications and go on to lead happy, healthy lives.

Reversing Prediabetes

With proper diet and lifestyle changes, prediabetes can be reversed and patients can return their blood glucose levels to normal. Ayurveda, India’s ancient system of health care, specializes in prescribing diet and lifestyles tailored to each patient’s needs in order to bring about optimal health. Ayurvedic treatments have been proven to successfully treat diabetes in many studies.

If you or somebody you know has prediabetes, be sure to consult your physician as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment options. If you have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, we recommend you attend our upcoming Diabetes and Weight Loss Wellness Program & Retreat, where you will be given all the resources necessary to optimize your health using the Ayurveda’s ancient diet and lifestyle practices.

We wish you a smooth and quick recovery.

 

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