Could you have prediabetes?

Diabetes is at an all-time high. According to the charity, Diabetes UK, it’s estimated that more than 5.6 million people in the UK are living with diabetes. Of these, a staggering 1.2 million people are currently living with type 2 diabetes but are yet to be diagnosed. This is an alarming figure because without the right management, people with diabetes can be at risk of developing serious complications. It is therefore essential that we do all we can to raise awareness of the condition, in the hope that those most at risk, those that are prediabetic for example, can get the help and support they need. Because with the right interventions, someone with prediabetes can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by around 50%!

What is prediabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high. If a person’s blood sugar levels are above the normal range, but not high enough to be diagnosed as having diabetes, they are classed as being prediabetic. This means they are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

How serious is diabetes?

According to Diabetes UK, diabetes leads to the following every week:

• 184 amputations
• 930 strokes
• 660 heart attacks
• 2,990 cases of heart failure

How do I know if I’m prediabetic?

For many people, prediabetes is symptomless. However, for others the main symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Blurred vision
• Dark spots on the skin, especially in the armpits or on the neck
• Skin tags in the armpits or on the neck
• Slow healing of cuts and wounds

The best way to be sure is to visit your GP and request a blood test that measures your blood sugar levels.

Can prediabetes be reversed?

Yes, prediabetes can potentially be reversed and prevented from developing into diabetes through a series of lifestyle changes. Here are our top recommendations:

• Change your diet: Include more healthy foods such as fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and lean proteins, and cut down on processed meat, refined carbohydrates and sugary snacks.
• Exercise more: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity per week.
• Lose excess weight: If you’re overweight or obese, reducing your BMI will reduce your risk. Changing your diet and exercising more is the ideal way to do this.
• Get a good night’s sleep: Poor sleep patterns can lead to glucose intolerance, so aim for around 7-9 hours of good quality sleep every night.
• Cut down or cut out alcohol: Limit yourself to no more than 14 units of alcohol per week. That equates to 6 pints of beer or 10 small glasses of wine.
• Stop smoking: It’s never too late to stub it out. Quitting smoking isn’t easy but there is a wide range of help and support available – from nicotine patches and gum, to smoking cessation sessions.

Got more questions about prediabetes?

If you think you’re displaying symptoms of prediabetes, book an appointment at YourGP right away. The sooner you get checked out, the sooner you can start putting changes into place that could effectively reverse your risk. Book in for a thorough health assessment to get the answers you need.

And remember, if you need help to make healthy lifestyle changes, we’re here to advise and support you every step of the way. You can book a health assessment using our simple online booking system. Or you can email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.