Prediabetes: Why is it important?

What is prediabetes and why is it important?

You may have been told that you have prediabetes, if that is the case there is a 10 to 20% chance of you developing diabetes in 10 years and 50-60% chance of you developing diabetes in your lifetime. With some conditions like PCOS the risk of developing diabetes may be as high as 40% within 10 years.

Once you understand the importance of this condition, you will realize that you need to be more closely monitored than someone who doesn’t have prediabetes.

95% of diabetes in this country is Type 2 also known as adult onset. It is thought that 50% of Americans will be diabetic by 2030.

Diet is critical with preventing prediabetes from progressing.

Some people refer to the dietary changes that need to be made in prediabetes as  “Precision Nutrition”.

It includes moving more towards a Mediterranean type of diet and an increase in fiber, vegetables and magnesium and less sugary liquids.

By changing your diet you can change your gut microbiome. Did you know that a 20 ounce soda contains the equivalent of 17 packets of sugar? Not what you want to give your children surely.

Salmon twice a week may be more helpful than fish oil capsules. Activity is also critical, any kind of activity even a 20 minute walk every day.

Just a small amount of weight loss can have a huge impact on whether you develop diabetes or not.

Fat cells around the stomach area (central adipose tissue) create inflammation in the pancreatic cells as well as fatty liver.

Natural supplements that may help: Fenugreek, Chromium and Bitter Melon.

If you are not sure of you blood sugar status ask about it at your next physical and let’s get on it if it’s a problem.

I didn’t want to write a long email about diabetes and medications because obviously that is separate and huge problem.

As always prevention is better than cure.

Don’t hesitate to come in and discuss further especially if you have diabetes in the family.