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Hearing the words “you’re prediabetic” can evoke a mix of emotions — confusion, anxiety, and even fear.
But, it’s important to remember that prediabetes is not the same as type 2 diabetes. Instead, it is an early warning sign and an important window of opportunity to make positive changes and protect your long-term health.
Ahead of World Diabetes Day (14 November), we spoke to Emma Pike, Deputy Head of Clinical diabetes ukWho explained what prediabetes actually is and what practical steps people can take to get their health back on track after diagnosis.
What is prediabetes?
“Prediabetes is commonly used by health care professionals to describe the condition when blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but they are not high enough for you to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes,” says Pike.
She explains that the HbA1c test is the most common blood test to diagnose prediabetes because it measures your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months.
“If your HbA1c level is between 42 and 47 mmol/mol, we’ll say you have prediabetes or you’re at very high risk for type 2 diabetes,” says Pike. “Whereas, an HbA1c level of 48 mmol/mol or higher indicates that you have diabetes.”
What would you say to someone who is feeling anxious after a prediabetes diagnosis?
“It’s really important to understand the risk factors that may contribute to your overall risk of type 2 diabetes, and also remember that there is support out there that can help you reduce your risk,” says Pike. “For example, programs like the NHS Diabetes Prevention Program can help to support people, so you’re not in it alone.
“It is possible for up to 50% of people to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, so it is not inevitable that someone with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes.”
What kinds of things will a health professional look for after a diagnosis of prediabetes?
weight management
“Health care professionals will look at whether someone might need help with weight management,” says Pike. “They will have sensitive and constructive conversations about whether someone is comfortable thinking about their body weight and see if it is possible to make any changes to diet or increase physical activity.”
physical activity
“Health professionals will also be looking at what someone’s current amount of physical activity is, and how it relates to the overall physical activity guidelines set by the UK Chief Medical Officers, which recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise throughout the week, as well as some form of strength training on certain days of the week,” says Pike.
Diet
,People “Prediabetes will be encouraged to eat as healthy a diet as possible,” says Pike. So, these are things you’d expect like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean sources of protein. All things like this are generally advised to help people work toward healthy eating patterns.
Sleep
“In terms of reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, there has been some association with sleep patterns,” says Pike. “So, getting a good amount of sleep, versus not getting too much sleep or getting too little sleep, is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.”
smoking
,smoking “It’s also associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes,” says Pike. Therefore, it may be a useful thing for someone with prediabetes to have access to smoking cessation services.”
annual check up
“The guidelines suggest that a person who is at high risk for type 2 diabetes should come back on an annual basis to check what’s going on in terms of their glucose levels and receive ongoing support,” says Pike. “The doctor will repeat that HBA1c test to get an overall picture of your health, and may also check other factors like body weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.”
Where can you get advice and support?
online resources
“We have a type 2 diabetes prevention section diabetes uk website and we also have some great recipes and meal plans,” says Pike. “There’s also some information in there that explains what prediabetes means, and our Know Your Risk tool for people to find out what their risk of type 2 diabetes is.”
Help Group
“Diabetes UK has an online forum which can be a good means of peer support to talk to people with a similar situation to yours,” says Pike. “Also, when people go to things like NHS diabetes prevention programmes, they also get to meet people who are in the same situation as them.”
Will get support from loved ones
“Loved ones are a really important source of support for people,” says Pike. “It’s a lot easier to try to change what you’re eating or doing if you’ve got support from the people closest to you.”