Before people develop Type 2 diabetes, they almost always have a condition called pre-diabetes. A diagnosis of pre-diabetes has historically been used as a wake-up call but unfortunately many are ‘out to lunch’ and miss the opportunity to prevent the ravages of diabetes.

Pre-diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. People with pre-diabetes are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes and many already have diabetic symptoms.

Recent research has shown long-term silent damage may already be occurring to the heart and circulatory system during pre-diabetes. Unfortunately pre-diabetics commonly have no noticeable symptoms and are unaware of the problem. 

A staggering 50 per cent of Type 2 diabetics do not know they are diabetic either. The nearly silent disease is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and amputation. Diabetes is responsible for 1 death every 7 seconds and accounts for more than 4.6 million deaths per year. 

The rate of developing diabetes has increased by 700 per cent in the last five decades and can be traced to poor personal habits. A destructive lifestyle that is pro-diabetes includes a poor diet, insufficient physical exercise, use of tobacco and gaining excess body fat.

A prominent, 17-year study of about 30,000 middle-aged people found belly fat to be a leading cause of Type 2 diabetes. Excess belly fat is also a direct reflection of the amount of fat surrounding the vital organs. Excess internal fat puts tremendous pressure on the stomach, pancreas, intestines and other organs. The added pressure from belly fat can cause blood sugar fluctuations and insulin imbalances seen in Type 2 diabetes. 

There are a number of serious or life-threatening complications if pre-diabetes is not properly managed and allowed to progress to Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, it damages nerves and hardens arteries that can lead to decreased sensation and poor blood circulation in the feet and hands. These factors will increase the risk of infections and ulcers that can in turn significantly raise the risk of amputations.

Symptoms of pre-diabetes

Symptoms of pre-diabetes are very similar to Type 2 diabetes. The classic red flags of Type 2 diabetes include increased thirst, hunger, frequent urination, excessive fatigue, blurred vision and pain or numbness in the feet or hands. Other symptoms may include bladder, kidney or other infections that occur more frequent or heal slowly. It is also common for men to experience erectile dysfunction. 

Unexplained darkened areas of skin are one of the few signs suggesting one is at risk for diabetes and pre-diabetes. Common areas that are affected include the neck, armpits, elbows, knees and knuckles.

There’s good news, pre-diabetes can be an opportunity for you to improve your health and fend off the progression to the more serious Type 2 diabetes. 

Recent research shows that you can lower your risk for Type 2 diabetes by 58 per cent by losing 7 per cent of your body weight and exercising moderately 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve insulin control, keep blood sugar in check and reduce harmful cholesterol and blood pressure that is linked to heart disease and stroke as well.

Dr Cory Couillard is an international healthcare speaker and columnist.