People who have been diagnosed with prediabetes are encouraged by medical experts to make changes to their lifestyle, including consuming a better diet and engaging in greater physical activity. According to the opinions of experts, these adjustments must be performed as quickly as possible rather than waiting.
Because of this, even while prediabetes often does not immediately proceed to type 2 diabetes, prediabetes may evolve into a more dangerous disease over time if action is not done to treat it. This is especially true if the problem is left untreated.
Between January 2010 and December 2018, researchers from a new study that was published in JAMA Network Open looked at data from over 50,000 older persons who were diagnosed with prediabetes. According to the findings of the research conducted, little more than % of these persons got type 2 diabetes each year.
Researchers monitored participants’ blood sugar levels for the course of the study. After an 8-hour fasting period, prediabetes was indicated by hemoglobin A1C levels between 5.7 and 6.4 percent.
After receiving a diagnosis of prediabetes, older persons who were overweight were at an increased risk of acquiring diabetes. The same was true for older Black adults, seniors living ona low income, and those who had a family history of diabetes. Those persons over the age of 65 whose blood sugar was between 6 and 6.4 percent on the A1C scale were also at a greater risk. When compared to women, males also had a slightly greater chance of developing the condition.
According to individuals who are knowledgeable in the subject, such statistics get up the longer a person waits to treat the problem. The preliminary diagnosis provides the basis for the individualized treatment plan developed by medical specialists.
Where to begin the process of making changes
To get started, take a look at the food that you consume and make some crucial adjustments. You do not need to make significant adjustments all at once, nor are you required to fully abstain from the items that you like eating.
Eat a greater quantity of fresh, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and grains while reducing your consumption of processed meals and items that are rich in saturated fats.
Whole plant-based meals include more nutrients, especially fiber, and will make you feel fuller with fewer calories. This is because fiber is a nutrient that helps you feel full.
