03 Nov Detecting diabetes before it’s too late. The facts about Prediabetes.

[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_separator type=”transparent”][vc_column_text]Prediabetes is known as the silent assault on the body.  It’s a condition that’s defined by increased levels of blood sugar, but not to a level that meets the current criteria for diabetes.  It’s silent because the effects of having high blood sugar don’t produce symptoms, even though the body is fighting a battle on the inside.  We live our lives not knowing the effects this is having on our bodies until one day we start noticing symptoms.  But what if we could identify the problem as it is starting, in order to give our bodies the best chance to fix the problem and avoid the costly and detrimental health effects associated with diabetes.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent”][vc_column_text]About 1 in every 3 people suffers from prediabetes.  The high blood sugar starts to damage small blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, leading to brain fog, low energy levels, hypertension, plaque buildup, vision problems, and more!  Without any lifestyle changes, almost 30% of the people with prediabetes will develop diabetes in 5 years.  The effects of diabetes are more obvious and well known, including: fatigue, poor appetite/sleep, irritability, increased thirst, increased infections and poor sexual drive.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent”][vc_column_text]So how do you know if you are prediabetic?  [/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent”][vc_column_text]Here are some screening questions. If you answer yes to any of these questions, you should get screened by visiting a qualified healthcare professional (Doctor, Nurse, Physician Assistant, etc.):[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent”][vc_column_text]

• Is your body weight categorized as overweight or obese?
  • A Dexascan can identify what body weight category you are. Contact your local Dexafit for more information!
• Do you have a first-degree family history of type 2 diabetes?
• Do you have any signs of insulin resistance, including dark patches under your armpits or around the creases in the back of your neck, or clusters of skin tags?
• If you are a women, do you have infrequent periods or a history of polycystic ovarian syndrome?

[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent”][vc_column_text]There are a few ways to get tested for pre-diabetes.  First, you want to consult with a medical professional.  They will ask about your eating, exercise and recovery habits.  You can also check several lab values, including:[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent”][vc_column_text]

• Hemoglobin A1c. This test gives you information about the blood glucose levels over the past three months
• Fasting insulin levels (<6microml). This fasting test provides information on how well your body responds to insulin, the hormone that is produced by your pancreas and helps control blood sugar levels.  If your blood has too much glucose floating around, insulin does not work as effectively on the muscle and hangs around in your blood, not doing what it should be doing.
  • 7-17: warning range
  • >20: high likelihood of insulin resistance
• Blood lipids. Blood lipid testing is one of the common tests performed to assess your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.  Some of the usually lab values check include:
  • Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides
  • If Triglycerides:HDL is:
    • <1.5: insulin sensitive
    • > 1.5: insulin resistance
  • Inflammatory markers (HSC reactive protein,more sensitive, or CRP). These proteins are created and released in the blood when there is inflammation in the body.  The problem with too much sugar in your blood is that it acts as a source of inflammation, causing your body to feel inflamed at a low level constantly.  If the inflammatory markers are elevated, your body may be at risk of developing prediabetes.

[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent”][vc_column_text]Can you reverse diabetes? [/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent”][vc_column_text]Definitely! Here are some effective ways to help reverse the high blood glucose problem before it permanently affects your body:

• The most effective approach is a lifestyle change that combines nutrition counseling with at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week
  • Lifestyle modifications include: a more complete, nutritious diet, decreasing how long you sit during the day, increasing exercise, reducing stress, decreasing technology use, meditation and being outside!
• Reducing stress and learning way to develop sustainable and healthy habits is of equal importance
• Losing just 5-8% of your can lead to an over 50% reduction in risk of developing diabetes!

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