Prediabetes: What it is and why does it matter?

What is prediabetes?

In a nutshell Prediabetes is the preceeding step to Type 2 Diabetes. This means that the doctor has identified you at risk as your blood sugars are higher than what they should be, but not quite in the range for Diabetes.

We measure your blood sugar by a test called the ‘HbA1c’. This gives us an average of the amount of sugar in your blood for the last 3 months. With prediabetes the level is between 42-47mmHg. Higher than 48mmol/mol puts you in the range for Diabetes. This number is different to the numbers on a blood sugar monitor or ‘the finger prick test’.

Who’s at risk?

Not everybody has had a test to know they are at risk. Fortunately Diabetes UK have devised an online calculator that anyone can use to understand their risk.

Link here: Know your risk

Essentially there are a few risk factors that we know about:

• The more you weigh, the higher your risk. Check your BMI here
• Ethnicity: South Asian, Chinese, African-Caribbean and Black African populations have a higher risk, even at a younger age and lower weight.
• Visceral Fat. Where you store the fat is important. Check your waist circumference with a tape measure.If your waist is more than 80cm (females) or 94cm (males) then this could indicate fat around your organs which increases your risk of Type 2 Diabetes
• Gender: men are at a slightly increased risk than females
• Age: The risk increases for those over 40years for Caucasian population but the risk is higher once over the age of 25yrs for thos ethnic minorities at higher risk listed above.
• Family History: The risk is 2-6x more likely if a first degree relative is affected
• Having high blood pressure (even if treated with medication) increases your risk

Why does it matter?

Knowing you have prediabetes matters a lot. Prevention is better than cure. The crux of the matter is that Type 2 Diabetes for many people, is preventable but you do need to know how!

Type 2 Diabetes doesn’t just start suddenly. There is research showing that changes can be seen even 20 years before any symptoms occur. Even before the blood sugar increases to the prediabetes range

What are the symptoms of Prediabetes?

Quite often there are none. Some people to feel more tired than usual or may even display a very mild version of excessive thirst or frequent urination seen in established Diabetes. The best way to know if this might be you is to check the risk calculator (link below) and get a blood test by your GP if you are at a higher risk.

Want to learn more?

We know a lot of people are concerned about developing Type 2 Diabetes. But type 2 Diabetes is preventable, there are so many things you can do to change your risk.

Want to know more? Well why not join Dr Nerys on the 21st March for our live 'Prediabetes Uncovered Masterclass'. This is designed for those newly diagnosed, that are confused about what to do and want to know once and for all how to decrease the blood sugars.

Want to know more? Please click here

(Written by Dr Nerys Frater)