If your blood sugar is elevated but doesn’t meet the levels required for a diabetes diagnosis, you have a medical condition called prediabetes. Having prediabetes means you’re more likely to develop diabetes than someone who hasn’t been diagnosed.
The promising news is that by following a plan with diabetes expert Thomas Nguyen, MD, and the team at Nguyen Medical Group in Boynton Beach, Florida, you can stop prediabetes in its tracks. As part of National Diabetes Month this November, here’s what you can do to reverse prediabetes completely.
A diagnosis of prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal levels and of potential concern. But at this point, they don’t meet the criteria for diabetes.
Most people don’t know they have prediabetes because it doesn’t usually come with visible symptoms. Being screened regularly at your annual physical or other preventive health checks is the best way to get diagnosed early.
Regular screenings are particularly important if you have any risk factors for prediabetes, including:
You should also be screened if you have certain chronic diseases, including sleep apnea and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Prediabetes is a serious condition, but in some ways, getting the diagnosis can be a blessing. Unlike diabetes, prediabetes is reversible, and catching it early can keep you from ever getting diabetes.
Our team supports you with a plan that helps you reverse the problem and lower your blood sugar levels. Even small changes can go a long way in reversing the condition.
Changes our team helps you make include:
Obesity is a significant contributor to developing prediabetes. If you’re overweight, our team helps you lose weight with a manageable and realistic plan.
An unbalanced diet can elevate your blood sugar even if you’re at a healthy weight. Work to eliminate processed foods high in sugars.
Instead, focus on eating nutritious, whole foods like whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats.
Adults should get at least 150 minutes or 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week. If you’re currently sedentary, our team helps you safely build to that level by doing activities you enjoy.
Even occasional smoking, vaping, and chewing tobacco can all aggravate your blood sugar. We’re here to support you in quitting altogether.
When combined with other lifestyle changes, getting more sleep, including treating any sleep conditions, and lowering stress can help reverse prediabetes. Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night, practice relaxation techniques, and consider joining a support group for others with prediabetes.
For some people, taking medication in combination with lifestyle changes can help. Our team can prescribe medication targeted at adults with diabetes and for weight loss.
With the right shifts in your life, developing diabetes doesn’t have to be in your future. If you’ve been diagnosed with prediabetes, contact us to get started making the changes to reverse the condition and reclaim your health.
