WARNING Signs Of PRE DIABETES You Should Know

Summary

This video sheds light on the often-overlooked issue of pre-diabetes, highlighting the alarming statistic that half of pre-diabetic individuals in India are unaware of their condition. Pre-diabetes acts as a warning sign, with blood sugar levels slightly above normal. The script identifies key symptoms, causes such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress, and emphasizes the importance of early detection and lifestyle changes for reversal. By focusing on diet, physical activity, and sleep, individuals can prevent pre-diabetes from progressing to diabetes. The video also dispels common myths and stresses that prevention is key, offering practical advice for maintaining health.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pre-diabetes is often undiagnosed, and around half of those affected will develop full diabetes within 5 years if untreated.
• 😀 Symptoms of pre-diabetes include tiredness despite good sleep, excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurry vision, numbness in hands and feet, slow-healing cuts, and dark patches on the skin.
• 😀 Pre-diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet at diabetic levels, usually between 100 to 120 mg/dL or an HbA1C of 5.7 to 6.5%.
• 😀 Lifestyle factors, such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and high stress, are major contributors to pre-diabetes.
• 😀 India has a large pre-diabetic population, with over 130 million potentially affected, and it is not just an issue for older people but also younger, seemingly healthy individuals.
• 😀 Reversing pre-diabetes is possible by focusing on diet, exercise, and sleep. A healthy diet, physical activity, and stress management can help normalize blood sugar levels.
• 😀 A balanced diet should involve reducing simple carbohydrates and sugars, while increasing healthy fats and proteins.
• 😀 Aiming for 30 minutes of physical activity at least five times a week can significantly improve health and prevent progression to diabetes.
• 😀 Quality sleep is essential to manage blood sugar, with 7 to 8 hours of restful sleep recommended to keep cortisol levels in check and support insulin sensitivity.
• 😀 Even if you do not have symptoms, getting tested for pre-diabetes is important, especially for those with a family history of diabetes or anyone over the age of 30.
• 😀 Common myths about pre-diabetes include the belief that only overweight people are affected, that eating sweets is okay if you don’t have diabetes, and that pre-diabetes always leads to full diabetes. In reality, pre-diabetes is preventable and reversible.

Q & A

What is pre-diabetes, and why is it important to recognize it early?

Pre-diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. It is important to recognize it early because, if left untreated, it can lead to full-blown diabetes, which significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health complications.

What are the blood sugar levels that define pre-diabetes?

Pre-diabetes is defined by blood sugar levels between 100 and 120 mg/dL, or an HbA1c level between 5.7% and 6.5%. These values indicate higher-than-normal blood sugar but not yet at the level of diabetes.

What are some common symptoms of pre-diabetes?

Common symptoms of pre-diabetes include feeling unusually tired even after a good night's sleep, frequent thirst, blurry vision, tingling or numbness in hands and feet, and cuts or wounds that take a long time to heal. Another sign is the development of dark patches on the skin, especially around the neck or back.

What causes pre-diabetes, and how can lifestyle affect it?

The primary causes of pre-diabetes include poor lifestyle factors such as a diet high in simple carbohydrates and sugar, lack of physical activity, and high levels of stress. These factors can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance, both of which increase the risk of pre-diabetes and diabetes.

How can pre-diabetes be reversed?

Pre-diabetes can be reversed by focusing on three key areas: diet, exercise, and sleep. Reducing carbohydrate and sugar intake, staying physically active (at least 30 minutes a day), and ensuring 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night can significantly lower blood sugar levels and reverse pre-diabetes.

What role does stress play in pre-diabetes?

Stress can increase cortisol levels, which in turn can raise blood sugar levels. Chronic stress can contribute to insulin resistance, making it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar and potentially leading to pre-diabetes or diabetes.

Is pre-diabetes a condition that only affects older individuals?

No, pre-diabetes is not just an issue for older people. It is increasingly affecting younger individuals, including those in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, due to unhealthy lifestyles such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and high stress levels.

What are some myths about pre-diabetes that people should be aware of?

Some common myths about pre-diabetes include: 1) Only people with diabetes need to worry about eating sweets, 2) Only overweight individuals are at risk for pre-diabetes, and 3) Having pre-diabetes means you will definitely develop diabetes. The truth is, pre-diabetes can be prevented and reversed with proper lifestyle changes, regardless of weight or age.

Should individuals with no symptoms get tested for pre-diabetes?

Yes, even if you don't have symptoms, it's recommended to get tested for pre-diabetes if you have a family history of diabetes or other risk factors. The tests include fasting blood sugar and HbA1c, and it’s advised to get tested at least once a year if you're over 30.

Why is prevention better than cure when it comes to diabetes?

Prevention is better than cure because diabetes, once it develops, has no major cure. Early detection of pre-diabetes allows individuals to make lifestyle changes that can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes, avoiding the serious complications that come with it.