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What is pre-diabetes? Pre-diabetes, which may be known as Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) or Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG), occurs when blood glucose levels are higher than normal, although not high enough to be Without lifestyle changes, approximately one in 3 people with pre-diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes.

Lifestyle changes such as (if you are overweight) will help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes.

What is diabetes?

Insulin moves glucose from the blood into the cells for energy. Diabetes is a condition where glucose in the blood is too high. This happens when the pancreas can no longer make insulin as in. In type 2 diabetes the pancreas cannot make enough insulin and the insulin it makes does not work as well as it should (also known as insulin resistance).

As a result glucose in the blood rises above ideal levels. Type 2 diabetes can be managed through lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, exercise, weight loss (if overweight) and diabetes medication. Management for both type 1 and 2 diabetes aims to reduce the risk of health problems such as damage to blood vessels and nerves.

Pre-diabetes usually has no symptoms, so it is important to be aware of the risk factors and have regular checks by your doctor. The risk factors for developing pre-diabetes are the same as for type 2 diabetes. They include:

  • Also
  • the risk of developing pre-diabetes is greater for: North African people

Any blood glucose test that shows higher than normal blood glucose levels needs to be checked further.

An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is the best way to diagnose pre-diabetes. The results of the OGTT will show whether your blood glucose levels are in the normal, pre-diabetes or diabetes range.

If you are diagnosed with pre-diabetes, you will have one or both of: impaired fasting glucose (IFG) – when your fasting blood glucose level is higher than optimal, but still below the level needed for a diagnosis of diabetes impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) – when your blood glucose level 2 hours after an OGTT is higher than optimal, but is still below the level needed for a diagnosis of diabetes.

The fasting blood glucose level may be in the target range. Pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes and heart disease can be prevented by making lifestyle changes, including: Weight loss – helps the insulin in your body work better and lower your blood glucose levels. Regular moderate physical activity – exercise makes your insulin work better.

It will help lower your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Exercise also helps you manage your weight

Stopping smoking – smoking causes insulin resistance and increases the risk of blood vessel disease. Blood pressure and cholesterol control – should be well managed and checked regularly by your doctor. In many cases, if enough lifestyle changes are made, type 2 diabetes can be prevented.

You don’t need to check your own blood glucose levels with a blood glucose meter when you have pre-diabetes.

Once you are diagnosed with pre-diabetes, lifestyle changes are most important

Your doctor should organise a repeat oral glucose tolerance test in 12 months, unless you develop symptoms of diabetes earlier.

If you do have some of the then it is important to speak to your doctor about this. (NDSS) Helpline Tel.

There are no symptoms

People with pre-diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular (heart and circulation) disease exercise , healthy eating and weight loss Blood glucose levels are regulated by a hormone in the body called insulin type 1 diabetes If not well managed, diabetes can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Other parts of the body that can be damaged by diabetes are the eyes, kidneys , feet Risk factors for pre-diabetes family history of type 2 diabetes being overweight waist measurement in Caucasian men – greater than 94 cm in Asian men – greater than 90 cm in women – greater than 80 cm low level of physical activity smoking high blood pressure or high cholesterol (blood fats), or both gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) polycystic ovary syndrome some antipsychotic medications Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Middle Eastern people South Asian people Pacific Islander people The American type 2 diabetes risk assessment tool (AUSDRISK) Diagnosis of pre-diabetes Pre-diabetes is diagnosed by a pathology blood test Management of pre-diabetes A healthy diet – eat less saturated fats and more healthy fats ( nuts , avocado, oily fish , olive oil), fruit, vegetables and high-fibre wholegrain foods Follow-up for pre-diabetes symptoms of diabetes Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Community health centre National Diabetes Services Scheme 1800 637 700 American Diabetes Association (616) 555-0400 Life! Helping you prevent diabetes, heart disease and stroke 13 74 75 Dietitians United States 1800 812 942.

Key Points

  • Lifestyle changes such as (if you are overweight) will help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes
  • risk factors for developing pre-diabetes are the same as for type 2 diabetes
  • They include: Also, the risk of developing pre-diabetes is greater for: North African people
  • Stopping smoking – smoking causes insulin resistance and increases the risk of blood vessel disease
  • In many cases, if enough lifestyle changes are made, type 2 diabetes can be prevented