Prediabetes is a condition that precedes diabetes. Prediabetes is a fasting
blood sugar of 100 – 125 mg/dl, or a blood sugar of 140 –
200 mg/dl measured 2 hours after an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
and/or a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level of 5.7-6.4%. If left untreated,
prediabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes.
RISK FACTORS
40+ years old
Overweight
Lack of exercise
Family history
Gestational diabetes (GDM)
Certain ethnic groups: African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and
Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders
HOW CAN I DELAY OR PREVENT TYPE 2 DIABETES?
Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by starting to exercise more,
eating healthy, and losing a few pounds. Medications may also be prescribed.
REGULAR EXERCISE
Being active is one of the best ways to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.
Losing weight can help in lowering the chances of getting diabetes. One
way to become more active is to walk for 30 minutes, five days a week.
It can also lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.
WEIGHT LOSS
Being overweight can increase the risk of diabetes. A small amount of weight
loss of 5% to 7% of total body weight (for example, 10 to 14 pounds for
a 200-pound person), and reaching a healthy weight can help in delaying
or preventing type 2 diabetes.
MAKE HEALTHY CHOICES
Taking small steps can go a long way toward building healthy habits. Here
are some of the small steps to get started:
Avoid or cut back on soda and juice. Drink water or calorie-free drinks
Cut calories by eating smaller servings and choosing lower-calorie snacks
Include more vegetables in meals
Choose fruits instead of high-calorie cakes, pies, cookies, and ice cream
Use healthy oils, such as canola, olive, and vegetable
Cut back on processed meats high in fat and sodium, such as hot dogs, sausage, and bacon
February 11 Diabetes 101 - Español
