According to the CDC, nearly 98 million American adults (1 in 3) have prediabetes - and a staggering 81% of people may not even be aware of it. This is alarming, as awareness and early detection is crucial so that steps can be taken to prevent or delay the progression to diabetes and avoid other potential long-term health conditions such as damage to the blood vessels, kidneys, or heart (including silent heart attacks). 

What is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are elevated (A1c 5.7 - 6.4), but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes (A1c 6.5 or higher). At this stage, the body begins to struggle with managing blood sugar, due to either inefficient insulin use or production; if left unchecked, this can lead to chronically high blood sugar levels. 

The American Diabetes Association highlights that without intervention, 15% to 30% of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years. But here's the good news: prediabetes can be managed -  and in many cases, reversed -  with simple lifestyle changes. 

Let’s take a deeper look at the signs, risk factors, and steps you can take to protect your health.

Signs and Symptoms of Prediabetes

While prediabetes is often silent, some subtle signs may indicate that your body is not processing blood sugar effectively. Keep an eye out for these symptoms:

• Increased thirst: Constant thirst can be a sign that your kidneys are working harder to remove excess sugar from your bloodstream.
  
  
• Frequent urination: Along with increased thirst, frequent trips to the bathroom may signal elevated blood sugar levels.
  
  
• Fatigue: When your body struggles to use glucose effectively, you may experience unexplained fatigue.
  
  
• Blurred vision: High blood sugar can cause the lens of the eye to swell, leading to temporary blurred vision.
  
  
• Slow-healing sores or frequent infections: High blood sugar levels can impair your immune system and slow down the healing process.

If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, speak to your healthcare provider. It's also important to remember that many people with prediabetes don’t exhibit any noticeable symptoms, which is why regular screening, particularly if you are at risk, is vital.

Risk Factors for Prediabetes

Prediabetes can develop in anyone, but certain risk factors increase your chances. Some are beyond your control (like age and family history), but many are lifestyle-related, giving you the power to make meaningful changes. Here are the key risk factors:

• Being overweight or obese: Excess fat, particularly around the abdomen, increases the risk of insulin resistance.
  
  
• Sedentary lifestyle: Physical inactivity contributes to weight gain and insulin resistance.
  
  
• Family history: If diabetes runs in your family, your risk of developing prediabetes increases.
  
  
• Age: People over 35, particularly those between 45 and 64, are at a higher risk.
  
  
• High blood pressure: Hypertension and prediabetes are often linked, as both conditions affect the cardiovascular system.
  
  
• Poor diet: Diets high in sugar and processed foods can elevate blood sugar levels and strain insulin production. While anyone can develop prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, certain populations face a higher risk due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors. These groups include:

• African Americans
• Hispanic/Latino Americans
• Native Americans
• Asian Americans
• Pacific Islanders

It's important to acknowledge the complexities behind these disparities and promote equitable access to healthcare, education, and nutritious food for all communities.

Diagnostic Testing for Prediabetes

Early detection of prediabetes is crucial for preventing progression. Healthcare providers rely on various diagnostic tools to evaluate an individual's risk of developing the condition. Here are the most common and what the results mean:

• Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) Test: Measures blood glucose levels after an 8-hour fast Normal: Less than 100 mg/dL
• Pre-diabetes: 100 to 125 mg/dL
• Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher
  
  
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): After fasting, blood sugar is then tested two hours after consuming a sugary drink
• Normal: Less than 140 mg/dL
• Pre-diabetes: 140 to 199 mg/dL
• Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher
  
  
• Hemoglobin A1C Blood Test: Reflects average blood glucose over the past 2-3 months.
• Normal: Below 5.7%
• Pre-diabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
• Diabetes: 6.5% or higher

Taking Preventative Action

The silver lining is that there are clear evidence-based steps you can take to prevent, or even reverse, prediabetes:

1. 1. Adopt a balanced diet: A diet low in sugar, refined carbs, and processed foods can help stabilize blood sugar levels. Opt for a diet such as the Longevity Diet,  rich in vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats to keep your blood sugar stable throughout the day. Include fiber, as studies show that eating more fiber-rich foods can improve insulin sensitivity.
   
   
2. 2. Engage in regular physical activity: Physical activity is one of the best ways to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling.
   
   
3. 3. Maintain a healthy weight: Losing just 5% to 10% of your body weight can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
   
   
4. 4. Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels: High blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels often go hand in hand with prediabetes. Monitoring these markers can help you take action before complications arise.
   
   
5. 5. Stop smoking: Smoking contributes to insulin resistance and can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Quitting smoking can improve insulin sensitivity and support your overall metabolic health.
   
   
6. 6. Participate in L-Nutra Health Metabolic Programs: This new innovative approach makes it easier to manage, prevent, or reverse prediabetes and does not involve drugs, side effects, or an intense demand on everyday lifestyle. L-Nutra Health’s clinically backed programs, centered around the Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) as part of a comprehensive, dietitian-guided plan with medical oversight, are designed to improve glucose regulation, promote fat loss while preserving muscle, and support overall metabolic health.

Reverse Prediabetes with L-Nutra Health

L-Nutra Health, the medical division of L-Nutra, is transforming pre-diabetes and diabetes care with clinically-backed, first of its kind programs that target the root cause of these conditions through nutrition technology. Centered around a Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) specially formulated to regulate glucose levels effectively, the Metabolic and Diabetes Remission and Regression programs offer medical oversight, dietitian-guided, comprehensive 360-degree programs that have been shown to improve glucose management, promote fat-focused weight loss with muscle preservation, and support metabolic health - aiming to both prevent the onset of, and reverse, pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. 

Take control of your health today. Remission and prevention are possible -  learn more here.