Prediabetes is a condition that occurs when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. It’s estimated that over 84 million people in the United States have prediabetes, and many of them don’t even know it. The good news is that prediabetes can often be reversed with lifestyle changes, but the key is catching it early. Here are some early warning signs to watch out for:
- Increased thirst and urination: One of the most common signs of prediabetes is feeling thirsty all the time, even after drinking plenty of fluids. You may also find yourself urinating more frequently than usual.
- Fatigue: Do you feel tired all the time, even after a good night’s sleep? Fatigue is another common sign of prediabetes. This is because your body is struggling to process glucose, which can leave you feeling sluggish.
- Blurred vision: High blood sugar levels can affect the lenses in your eyes, causing them to swell and become distorted. This can result in blurry vision, which may come and go throughout the day.
- Slow healing: If you notice that cuts and bruises are taking longer than usual to heal, it could be a sign of prediabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage your blood vessels, making it harder for your body to repair itself.
- Numbness or tingling: Prediabetes can also cause nerve damage, leading to numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. This is known as peripheral neuropathy and can be a warning sign of more serious complications to come.
- Increased hunger: Despite feeling tired and sluggish, you may also find yourself craving sugary or starchy foods more often than usual. This is because your body is struggling to process glucose and is sending signals to your brain that it needs more energy.
- Weight gain: Prediabetes can also lead to weight gain, especially around the midsection. This is because insulin resistance can make it harder for your body to burn fat.
- Darkened skin: In some cases, prediabetes can cause patches of darkened skin, especially around the neck, armpits, and groin. This is known as acanthosis nigricans and is a sign of insulin resistance.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to talk to your doctor right away. They can perform a simple blood test to determine if you have prediabetes and help you make the necessary lifestyle changes to prevent it from progressing to diabetes. Some of these lifestyle changes may include:
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet
- Exercising regularly
- Losing weight if you’re overweight
- Quitting smoking
- Managing stress levels
By catching prediabetes early and making these lifestyle changes, you can reduce your risk of developing diabetes and improve your overall health and well-being.