Prediabetes acts as a warming sign for type 2 diabetes and tells us that our blood sugar levels are higher than they should be. Our lifestyle can play a big part in our risk of developing type 2 diabetes so let’s take a look at what it is and how you can reduce your risk of getting it.  

Prediabetes is when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. It’s not an official diagnosis, but itis a useful shorthand for describing those who are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It’s also known as borderline diabetes. If you would like to find out if you are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, take the ‘know your risk’ quiz by clicking here.

Though it sounds scary, prediabetes doesn’t always mean that a type 2 diabetes diagnosis is inevitable. Good news is that you can still lower your risk of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes through making changes to your lifestyle. 

Even though you’re unlikely to spot any symptoms when it comes to prediabetes, you can look at your risk factors for type 2 diabetes.  

You’re more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if: 

·                    You have a family history of type 2diabetes.

·                    You’re overweight, especially if you tend to carry excess weight     around your middle.

·                    You have high blood pressure.

·                    You’re African-Caribbean, Black African or South Asian and are over 25.

·                    You’re white and over 40.

Some risk factors are beyond our control, but if you’re overweight or have high blood pressure it’s important to try and make positive changes where you can before prediabetes develops into a more serious diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. If you’re not sure where to start, take small steps and make small changes to your lifestyle. Positive changes to your lifestyle include, losing weight, eating a balanced diet and increasing your physical activity. For ideas on how to start making these changes, click here.

When to see a doctor? 

If you’re concerned about diabetes, it’s always worth speaking to your GP. Whether you have symptoms of diabetes or are concerned about your family history or other risk factors, finding out your blood sugar levels is easily done with a blood test. 

If you’re at risk of developing diabetes, making a plan with your doctor as to what you can do to lower your chances can really make all the difference. 

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