Understanding prediabetes

Symptoms, treatment, and complications from prediabetes may vary from person to person. Managing your blood sugar can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. The key is a healthy lifestyle.

The most common signs and symptoms of diabetes are:

• unusual thirst

• frequent urination

• weight change (gain or loss)

• extreme fatigue or lack of energy

• blurred vision

• frequent or recurring infections

• cuts and bruises that are slow to heal

• tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

• trouble getting or maintaining an erection

Prediabetes is a precursor for type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a disease in which your body can’t make enough insulin, or your body is unable to properly use the insulin it makes. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body to control the level of sugar in your blood.

If your body can’t use its insulin properly, glucose (sugar) builds up in your blood instead of being used for energy. This excess sugar in your blood causes problems and can lead to serious health complications.

It’s important to take a prediabetes diagnosis seriously because some long-term complications associated with diabetes—such as heart disease—may begin during prediabetes.

Preventing type 2 diabetes

The good news is that more than half of people with prediabetes can delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Taking steps now to improve your lifestyle can make a huge difference and lead to a healthier future.

If you’ve been diagnosed with prediabetes, reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by:

– Follow a health-promoting diet such as Canada’s Food Guide

– Exercise regularly, start with a 10-minute walk three times a week and start slowly increase to 150 minutes per week

– Discuss weight management with your healthcare provider

– Add more vegetables to your plate

– Cook meals at home more often

– Choose whole-grain foods

– Drink water instead of soda or juice