Preventing Pre-Diabetes: 5 Early Warning Signs

Author: Leslie Hughes

 

Diabetes may be on your health radar, but do you know the early warning signs of pre-diabetes?

This often silent condition affects millions of people and can significantly increase your risk of developing type-2 diabetes, a serious health issue. 

Understanding the warning signs is crucial for early detection and prevention. And taking proactive steps now can make a major difference in your long-term health.

 

Why Pre-Diabetes Awareness is Crucial

Pre-diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not quite high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. 

The concerning part?

Many people with pre-diabetes have no noticeable symptoms. This makes it easy to progress to type-2 diabetes without even knowing it. 

When you reach this stage, you’re at a high risk of complications like:

●     Heart disease

●     Nerve damage

●     Kidney problems

●     Vision loss

This is why early detection of pre-diabetes is key. It gives you the chance to make lifestyle changes and potentially reverse the path you’re on. 

By recognizing the subtle warning signs, you can take control of your health and delay or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

 

Who is at Risk For Type 2 Diabetes?

Anyone can develop type 2 diabetes, but there are certain factors that can increase your risk.

1. Overweight or obesity: Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, is a major risk factor.
2. Family history: Do you have a close relative with type 2 diabetes? You’re more likely to get it, if so.
3. Age: The risk increases as you get older, especially once you reach 45.
4. Physical inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle contributes to insulin resistance.
5. Unhealthy diet: Eating a diet that’s high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated fats increases risk.
6. Gestational diabetes: Having diabetes during pregnancy increases your risk later in life.
7. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Women with PCOS have an increased risk.

When on the lookout for pre-diabetes, pay attention to the below warning signs.

 

Early Warning Sign 1: Increased Thirst and Urination

Why it Happens

Feeling like you just can’t quench your thirst no matter how much you drink? Research shows this could be a sign of pre-diabetes. 

High blood sugar makes it harder for your kidneys to reabsorb fluid, which means increased urination. This fluid loss triggers greater thirst.

When to be Concerned

If you find yourself constantly thirsty and needing to urinate much more frequently than usual (especially at night), it’s a potential warning sign.

 

Early Warning Sign 2: Unexplained Fatigue

Why it Happens

A pre-diabetic body can’t properly use glucose for energy. That’s thanks to insulin resistance. When this happens, it can lead to chronic fatigue.

How to Tell if it’s a Problem

Everyone feels tired at some point, right? But if you’re experiencing unexplained fatigue that interferes with your daily life, it’s worth looking into.

 

Early Warning Sign 3: Increased Hunger and Cravings

Why it Happens

Insulin resistance can prevent glucose from entering your cells. The result? You’re left feeling hungry, even after eating. It’s called diabetic hyperphagia. 

This can also lead to major cravings for sugary foods.

How it Shows Up

You might find yourself constantly thinking about food, feeling hungry right after meals, or getting intense cravings for sweets.

Early Warning Sign 4: Blurry Vision

Why it Happens

You may be surprised to hear this: High blood sugar can affect the lens of your eye, causing blurry vision.

What to Look Out For

If you notice sudden or even gradual changes in your vision like blurriness, double vision, or spots, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor.

Early Warning Sign 5: Dark Patches on Skin

Why it Happens

Insulin resistance can cause dark, velvety patches to appear on your skin. This is called acanthosis nigricans.

Where it Appears

These patches usually show up in skin folds, like the neck, armpits, groin, and elbows.

How to Take Action if You Notice These Signs

If any of the above warning signs sound familiar, it’s time to talk to your doctor. 

They can assess your risk for pre-diabetes and recommend testing like:

●     Fasting plasma glucose test: This measures your blood glucose level at one point in time. It usually happens in the morning with nothing on your stomach except water.

●     A1C test: This blood test averages your glucose levels over a three-month period. 

Early diagnosis is key to preventing the progression to type 2 diabetes.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Pre-Diabetes

By making healthy lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. 

Here are some things to start doing today.

1. Eat a balanced diet: Focus on whole grains, fruits, veggies, and lean protein. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated fats.
2. Reduce sugar intake: This may sound easy, but it can be tricky. Sugar finds its way into all kinds of unexpected foods and drinks like ketchup and plant-based milk. Start paying attention to ingredient labels and reduce or avoid things with sugar. Instead, opt for naturally sweet options like fruit or zero-sugar added treats like our Keto Pint Ice Cream Bars and Ice Cream Pints.
3. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight. This doesn’t have to be anything excessive — just 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week is all you need.
4. Maintain a healthy weight: Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly reduce your risk of pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
5. Get enough sleep: Adequate, quality sleep is essential for overall health and blood sugar control.

Early Detection is Key

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. 

If you have any risk factors for type 2 diabetes, talk to your doctor about getting screened for pre-diabetes. Early detection and intervention are crucial for preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes and its complications.