Pre-Diabetes. Are you risking it?

While pre-diabetes is not as commonly discussed as ‘diabetes’, it is a medical condition that indicates an individual is on the fast track to developing diabetes.

Coplin Health Systems’ Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Murrita Bolinger, describes a person with pre-diabetes as an individual whose glucose, or blood sugar, does not meet the criteria for diabetes, but is too high to be considered normal.

One in three adults have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, while 90 percent are unaware if they have or could possibly develop the serious health condition.

Pre-diabetic screenings are important to determine an individuals’ risks. Children and adults who are overweight or obese are at risk. Those who also have additional risks include, a family history of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cholesterol problems and low physical activity are among those who have a chance of developing pre-diabetes.

If results from screening are found positive, medical providers can order tests to further determine if an individual has pre-diabetes or diabetes.

For those who receive a positive result from testing, individuals should begin a yearly testing schedule to check for type II diabetes.

“Pre-diabetes has five times the risk greater for developing type II diabetes,” Bolinger emphasized.

So, what can be done?

Well, weight management is a top option.

By incorporating 150 minutes of exercise per week – that’s 30 minutes five days a week, 20 minutes daily or three one-hour sessions – of exercise, including activities you enjoy, such as gardening or a game of pick-up basketball, can halt the development of diabetes.

While a healthy diet is also critical, Bolinger suggests speaking with your medical provider to determine what meal plan is best for you and your health.