Prediabetes, also known as impaired glucose tolerance, is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but are not high enough for you to be classified as living with diabetes. As of 2020 the NHS reported that there is an estimated 2 million people in the UK with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia or what is commonly know as prediabetes. And more will not be aware that they are at risk of being or are prediabetic. They would benefit from asking themselves: How do I know if I have prediabetes? Spotting the early warning signs gives you more time and a better chance to do something about it.
Understanding signs of prediabetes
Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. So with the view of a man over 50 I am going to dig into the general case for the purpose of providing educational information. This is not intended to be a diagnoses and is not a substitute for proper consultation and advice from a medical professional. So following are some of the key indicators that you can look out for to help you understand the risk that you are prediabetic? By understanding these warning signs, you can recognise your risk and take proactive measures to get a diagnosis from your Doctor and regain control of your health to prevent or delay moving on to living with type 2 diabetes. So lets get into it, here come the main things to look out for if you are wondering whether you are at risk of pre diabetes:
Possible Signs of prediabet
- Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination
- Fatigue and Lethargy
- Unexplained Weight Changes
- Blurred Vision
- Increased Hunger
- Slow-Healing Wounds
Increased Thirst and Frequent Unrination
One of the most common signs of prediabetes is excessive urination and increased thirst. As your body attempts to flush out excess glucose through urine, it may leave you feeling consistently thirsty and running to the bathroom more frequently. If you notice an unexplained increase in thirst and urination patterns, it’s worth considering the possibility of prediabetes.
Fatigue and Lethargy
Feeling tired or fatigued even after enough rest and sleep can be a subtle sign of prediabetes. When the body cannot effectively use glucose for energy, it can lead to feelings of fatigue and lethargy. If you find yourself constantly battling low energy levels, it may be beneficial to contact your doctor and get your blood sugar levels checked.
Unexplained Weight Changes
Unintentional weight loss, weight gain, or difficulty maintaining a healthy weight may indicate prediabetes. Fluctuations in weight can occur due to the body’s impaired ability to use insulin and regulate glucose properly. If you observe unexplained changes in your weight, particularly if it happens rapidly, consider discussing this with your healthcare provider.
Blurred Vision
Prediabetes can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels, leading to temporary changes in vision. Blurred vision, difficulty focusing, or experiencing frequent eye discomfort may be signs of underlying blood sugar imbalances. If you notice any changes in your vision, it is advisable to consult an eye specialist along with a physician to rule out prediabetes or other potential causes.
Increased Hunger
Dealing with unexplained bouts of increased hunger, even after consuming a meal, can be an indication that your body is struggling to process glucose effectively. When cells become resistant to insulin, they do not absorb glucose properly, sending signals to your brain that you are hungry. If you find yourself feeling excessively hungry or experiencing sudden food cravings, it’s worth considering the possibility of prediabetes.
Slow-Healing Wounds
High blood sugar levels can impede the body’s natural healing process. If you notice that cuts, bruises, or wounds are taking longer than usual to heal, it could be a red flag for prediabetes. Prolonged healing time can be attributed to the impaired circulation and reduced ability of the body’s cells to repair themselves.
So What Now
Let’s face it if you have hit your 50’s recently or a while ago you might notice some of these 6 things and think: “well I’m getting older and it’s normal to start feeling it” you wouldn’t necessarily wonder to yourself; am I Prediabetic? I am here to say you can be over 50 and feel great and not have to be staring down the barrel of living with type 2 diabetes and its related issues. You need to know your risk level and Diabetes UK have a tool that can help here. It just takes a few minutes, can be anonymous if you choose and uses some common data that most people know or can easily measure. It can take work, maybe some education and help but for the majority of us it’s possible to improve things.
Recognising the early warning signs of prediabetes is crucial for timely intervention and prevention of type 2 diabetes. If you’re asking yourself do I have prediabetes and are experiencing a combination of the mentioned possible indicators such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, unexplained weight changes, blurred vision, increased hunger, or slow-healing wounds, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional.
Seeing a Doctor and improving your health behaviours
Through medical tests and appropriate lifestyle changes, it is possible to identify and curb the progression of prediabetes and maintain optimal health. See your doctor and work on changing lifestyle habits. And if like me you are over 50 and out of time for suboptimal I am here with knowledge and experience as a health coach to find your fastest and easiest route to improved lifestyle habits. Remember, early detection and being proactive are the keys to reducing and reversing the risks associated with prediabetes. Work with your Doctor to correctly diagnose if you think you are at risk. And Health Coach yourself or let me help change your lifestyle behaviours to put more life into your years.
