In pre-diabetes, your blood glucose levels are elevated, but are not high enough to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. It is difficult to know whether you have pre-diabetes unless you have a blood test performed as you often do not experience any symptoms. Your GP can arrange a blood test to check for pre-diabetes, especially if you are considered to be in a risk group.
Risk factors for pre-diabetes are the same as those for type 2 diabetes and include:
- Having a family history of type 2 diabetes
- Being above the healthy weight range
- Having an inactive lifestyle
- Having an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background
- Being from a Melanesian, Polynesian, Chinese, Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern or Indian background
- Having gestational diabetes during pregnancy
- Being a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome
By following a balanced, healthy way of eating and including regular physical activity in your day, you may delay or even prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes. Losing as little as 5-10% of your weight can not only reduce your risk of developing diabetes but can also assist with improving blood pressure and cholesterol levels and therefore reducing your risk of heart disease.
At Melbourne Diabetes Education and Support we aim to provide comprehensive education on pre-diabetes and will assist you to make lifestyle modifications and set goals aiming for diabetes prevention. It is important to see your GP regularly so that ongoing screening tests can be arranged.