Prediabetes is like a warning light

Some people tend to ignore check engine lights or put off changing a furnace filter when the sensor goes off. One warning you can’t afford to ignore is a prediabetic diagnosis. 

What is prediabetes? 

Prediabetes is usually the result of an A1C test that indicates your blood sugar is higher than normal, between 5.7% and 6.4%. A result of 6.5% or higher is generally accepted as a diabetes diagnosis.

Blood sugar is measured through an A1C test that reveals your average blood sugar level over the previous three months, so you can’t cram for this test at the last minute by ignoring desserts for a week. Consider prediabetes as your last chance to make changes to keep from becoming diagnosed with diabetes. 

What to do if you have prediabetes? 

Hearing that you have prediabetes is similar to a rare do-over opportunity in life. Typically, if you are willing to change your lifestyle habits, you can often lower your A1C and prevent or at least delay diabetes. The best way to lower your A1C is to:

• Eat healthy foods.
• Be physically active each day.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Don’t smoke.
• Control blood pressure and cholesterol. 

Risk factors 

For optimal health, you should try to live a healthy life and avoid reaching prediabetes status, especially if you fit into a high-risk category. According to the Genesis Diabetes & Nutrition Education Department, diabetes risk factors include:

• Being overweight.
• Having increased amounts of stress.
• Certain ethnicities.
• Being over the age of 45.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• Family history.
• Having diabetes during pregnancy. 

Stay informed

Most insurance plans will cover an A1C test as part of an annual wellness visit. If you have any of the risk factors, talk to your doctor for a plan to prevent prediabetes or reverse your trend if you have been diagnosed with prediabetes.