Do You Have Pre-Diabetes?

 Pre-diabetes occurs when a person’s blood sugar is elevated above normal but not quite to diabetic levels. 

People with pre-diabetes have either impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), or both. To determine if IFG is present, you must fast overnight and then have your blood sugar levels tested in a physician’s office.

If your fasting blood sugar level is 100–125 mg/dL you have IFG. To determine IGT, you will need to ask your doctor to administer a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. If your blood sugar level is 140–199 mg/dL then you have IGT.

A diagnosis of pre-diabetes doesn’t necessarily mean you will develop diabetes. Because diabetes and weight are closely related, studies have shown that people with pre-diabetes who lose weight and increase their level of physical activity can prevent or delay the disease.  It is also a good idea to reduce starches, sugars, and excess fats from your diet so that you’re sure to be eating for the good of your health, and not against it.

While it makes sense to find out if you have pre-diabetes so you can take steps to prevent it from turning into full-blown type 2 diabetes, I only recommend taking these tests if you know you have diabetes risk factors and could develop the disease. Rather than testing, I feel that the best approach, especially if you’re overweight, is to assume you’re on the road to developing diabetes and do everything in your power to prevent it.