Day 1: So, you have prediabetes

Let's talk about what that means.

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DAY 1 OF 3 What is prediabetes? A prediabetes diagnosis means your blood sugar levels (while fasting or after eating) are higher than normal but not quite high enough to qualify as diabetes. This usually happens when your body stops being able to produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood glucose or if you already have some insulin resistance. Here's a refresher: After you eat sugars or carbs, your body breaks down the food into glucose. As the glucose moves into your bloodstream, your blood sugar rises. Your pancreas releases insulin to help move sugars from your bloodstream into your cells so you can use it as energy. This process ultimately leads to a reduction in blood sugar levels. If your body doesn't make enough insulin, or your cells stop responding well to it, that natural decrease in blood sugar doesn't happen. This is what ultimately can lead to prediabetes and diabetes. What does that look like in terms of numbers? A "normal" fasting glucose level is 99 mg/DL or less. If your level rises to 100–125 mg/DL, you're considered to have prediabetes. Once it goes up above 125 mg/DL, you'll be diagnosed with diabetes. PREDIABETES TESTS Prediabetes doesn't have any clear signs You might develop dark, thick, or velvety patches of skin around your elbows, knees, neck, armpits, or knuckles, but that's about it. More than 80% of people with prediabetes don't even know they have it! On the other hand, diabetes has more defined symptoms, such as: • increased thirst or hunger • increased urination, especially at night • extreme fatigue • blurry vision • weight loss • sores or wounds that won't heal SYMPTOMS IN MEN VS. WOMEN Take action! Being proactive is key to avoiding prediabetes progression and protecting your health. Prediabetes puts you at high risk of type 2 diabetes which, left untreated, can lead to potentially serious complications, such as kidney disease or nerve damage. That might sound intimidating, but don't worry … You can reverse prediabetes! (More on that tomorrow. 👀) Thanks for reading. On Day 2, learn how to prevent prediabetes from turning into type 2 diabetes through diet and lifestyle changes. Be sure to check back tomorrow for more information and valuable tips! Want to keep learning?   Diet Tips for Managing Prediabetes READ ON   Unusual Symptoms of Diabetes READ ON   Ways to Lower Your A1C Level READ ON Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon! View in browser Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here. To see all newsletters, click here. Privacy   |   Unsubscribe Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. © 2024 Healthline Media LLC 275 7th Ave., 24th Floor New York, NY 10001