Prediabetes Symptoms and Treatments

In the U.S., approximately 88 million people have prediabetes — a precursor to Type 2 diabetes — yet most people are unaware they have this common condition, in large part because there are usually no symptoms.

Beaufort Memorial has diabetes educators who can help you create a tailored plan to prevent prediabetes from progressing to Type 2 diabetes. For information about how to schedule a consultation with a certified diabetes educator, call 843-522-5635.

What Is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes indicates elevated levels of blood sugar (also called blood glucose) that are high but not high enough for a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is most often detected through routine blood sugar screenings.

A prediabetes diagnosis is reached when blood tests reveal you have one of the following:

• A fasting plasma glucose range of 100 mg/dl to 125 mg/dl
• An A1C range of 5.7% to 6.4%
• An oral glucose tolerance test range of 140 mg/dl to 199 mg/dl

The risk factors for prediabetes include:

• Age 45 or older
• Body mass index greater than 25
• Ethnicity (people of African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Pacific Island or Asian descent are at greater risk)
• Family history of Type 2 diabetes
• History of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
• Physical inactivity

Reversing Prediabetes

Losing weight through diet and exercise, controlling high blood pressure and following your doctor’s treatment guidance are the keys to avoiding Type 2 diabetes and reversing prediabetes. Being physically active most days of the week and losing 5% to 7% of your body weight can all help prevent prediabetes from progressing to Type 2 diabetes.

Your Prediabetes Diet Plan

While avoiding sugar is important, it is not the only food to avoid with prediabetes. Skip processed foods and those with high sugar and saturated fat content and empty calories, such as fast food, cookies and cakes, and sweetened beverages. Embracing a fiber-rich diet filled with fresh vegetables, whole grains and lean sources of protein will fuel your body for exercise, help you lose weight and impact your blood sugar levels in a positive way.

If you need help reshaping your diet, a Beaufort Memorial registered dietitian can help you devise a meal plan to keep your blood sugar levels under control. Call 843-522-5635.