Prediabetes is a serious but beneficial diagnosis to receive. Think of it as an early warning sign that gives you the opportunity to take important steps to make changes that can help improve your health, while avoiding some of the more serious health complications.
Currently, as many as one in three adults in America are living with a prediabetes diagnosis. And many people live with the condition for years without any noticeable symptoms, remaining undetected until it becomes a serious health concern.
At American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care, we know the first and most important step in assessing the danger for prediabetes is to understand the risk factors, which include:
- Age (over 45)
- Race (a higher risk for African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, Pacific Islanders, and some Asian Americans)
- Being overweight
- A family history of type 2 diabetes
A sedentary lifestyle - Previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes, or giving birth to a baby weighing over 9 pounds
If you or someone you love falls into any of these categories, a routine blood sugar test can help preempt the condition or detect and get it under control. The good news is, simple lifestyle changes can make a world of difference. These include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight and BMI. Losing as little as 5 to 7% of body weight for someone who is overweight (about 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person) can have a tremendous impact on reducing the risk for diabetes.
- Staying physically active. Check with the doctor for specific recommendations, but in general, the guideline is to strive for 30 minutes of brisk walking or a similar activity, five days per week.
- Following a healthier diet. Replace foods that are high in saturated and trans fats, salt, and sugar with fruits and veggies, fish and lean meats, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
Most importantly, follow the doctor’s guidance and ensure you’re staying up to date with recommended check-ups.
As you’re working to reverse prediabetes, be sure to keep an eye out for the symptoms of type 2 diabetes and contact the doctor as soon as possible if you notice them. These include:
- Extreme thirst or hunger
- Increased urine patterns
- Blurry vision
- Fatigue
Diabetes can lead to a number of serious health issues such as kidney failure, adult-onset blindness, and lower limb amputations. Not only that, but nearly three in four patients with type 2 diabetes need treatment for hypertension, and nearly half are impacted by severe cardiovascular disease.
At American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care, our referred care providers can help those with prediabetes, diabetes, and other serious health conditions in a variety of ways. We can plan and prepare healthy meals, provide motivation to stay physically active, run errands like grocery shopping and picking up prescriptions, and more. We also care for family caregivers by providing the professional respite care services that allow crucial time for self-care.
Contact us at the location closest to you and let us connect you with just the right caregiver to meet your needs.
- American In-Home Care – Serving North, Central, and West Coast of Florida
- Advocate In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida
- Whitsyms In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida
State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661
