Are You Suffering With Prediabetes Without Knowing It?

Previously, we told you how the US Centres for Disease Control recently reported that after almost 20 years of a steady uphill climb, it now looks like new cases of type 2 diabetes are beginning to reach a plateau. At least, that seems to be the case in the US.

While that sounds like something to be celebrated, the same cannot be said about this side of the pond. In the UK, diabetes is considered one of the fastest growing health threats of our time.

Since 1996, the number of people living with diabetes has more than doubled. If nothing changes, it is estimated that the number of people suffering with diabetes will rise to well over five million.

A new threat

But what if I told you that there’s another health risk looming for millions of non-diabetic sufferers. In fact, there’s a good chance that you might have this serious medical condition right now.

It’s a condition that could trigger a heart attack or stroke, and even shorten your life. And that’s despite the fact that you might appear to be a picture of perfect health… or at least think you are.

According to recent research on both sides of the pond, one-third of UK and American adults are pre-diabetic — and only about 10 per cent of them know about it.

Prediabetes means you have elevated blood sugar levels, but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Pre-diabetics are 50 per cent more likely to have heart disease or suffer a stroke, and many of them develop full-blown diabetes within three to five years.

So how do you know if you’re pre-diabetic and what can you do about it?

First, look out for tell-tale symptoms, like fat that gathers around your abdomen, increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue and blurred vision. Other symptoms may also include digestive issues — like lactose intolerance or feeling bloated after meals. These stomach problems often signal that you’re not making enough digestive enzymes and that your pancreas is overworked.

If you’ve noticed these symptoms cropping up then it’s time to pay your doctor a visit. Ask him or her to give you a blood sugar test.

Fortunately, if you are diagnosed as pre-diabetic, you still have time to turn your health around… And by that I don’t mean taking some off-label prescription diabetes drug like metformin, because to date there are no approved drugs for prediabetes.

The better plan is to have your doctor test you for deficiencies in your digestive and pancreatic enzymes. And there are simple digestive enzymes you can supplement with, like lipase, protese and amylase, that can improve your digestion and help support your pancreas.

Losing weight can also prevent prediabetes. Start a regular exercise routine (pick something you enjoy and that gets your heart rate up) and try following the Paleo Diet that are proven to help you shed pounds.

While prediabetes is a wake-up call, it is not a life sentence and no matter what your doctor tells you, it can be treated and reversed.

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Disclaimer: Bear in mind the material contained in this article is provided for information purposes only. We are not addressing anyone’s personal situation. Please consult with your own physician before acting on any recommendations contained herein.

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Sources:

Looming Danger: One in three U.S. adults prediabetic, surfky.com