Prediabetes: Myth or Misunderstood Health Concern?

There's something about the term "prediabetes" – maybe it's the "pre" – that makes it sound less worrisome than it really is. But prediabetes, a condition that can occur when blood sugar levels are elevated but not high enough to indicate full-blown diabetes, is a major public-health concern, one that everyone should learn more about.

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Trouble viewing this email? View as a Webpage Unsubscribe Friday, September 30, 2016 This content is from our sponsor. The sponsor has sole editorial control. From Our Sponsor: Prediabetes: Medical Myth or Misunderstood Health Concern? By Dr. Jahangir Cyrus, Attending Endocrinologist, Baptist Health, Louisville, KY Brought to you by Meta Daily Blood Sugar Support Click here to learn more Learn More About Prediabetes There's something about the term "prediabetes" – maybe it's the "pre" – that makes it sound less worrisome than it really is. But prediabetes, a condition that can occur when blood sugar levels are elevated but not high enough to indicate full-blown diabetes, is a major public-health concern, one that everyone should learn more about.1 If left untreated, prediabetes is often a precursor to Type 2 diabetes, one of the biggest health problems in the U.S. today. Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, heart disease, and kidney failure.2 Nearly half of Americans suffer from blood sugar-related issues. According the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it's estimated that more than 1 of 3 people in the U.S. have prediabetes and 9 out of 10 people with prediabetes don't even know it.2 That's because prediabetes is a "silent" condition, causing few noticeable symptoms. Because people with prediabetes don't typically feel "sick," many don't seek medical attention for the condition. Prediabetes, like diabetes, can be detected through blood tests. There are two common ways to test for healthy blood sugar:   • Doctors can check your blood sugar after a period of not eating for 8 hours, which is called fasting blood glucose (FGB). The National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicate a healthy FBG level is less than 99 mg/dL.3   • Doctors check your hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), which measures your average longer-term blood sugar, representative of the past 2-3 months. The NIH indicates a healthy HbA1c is 5%.3 Type 2 diabetes usually requires treatment with medication. But prediabetes, if diagnosed before it progresses to diabetes, can be treated. Changes to your lifestyle can go a long way toward lowering blood sugar and keeping prediabetes in check. Here are a few things you can start doing today to maintain healthy blood sugar levels:   – Lose weight: According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), research shows that you can lower your risk for Type 2 diabetes by 58 percent by losing 7 percent of your body weight. The ADA says that even losing 10 or 15 pounds can make a difference.4   – Move more: Exercising moderately (walking briskly, for example) for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week can help with weight loss – which in turn can help reduce blood sugar levels.4   – Eat well. A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and beans can help your body regulate blood sugar. Avoid foods high in saturated fat, excessive sugar and sodium, and watch your alcohol intake.5   – Fill up on fiber. Dietary fiber can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, but many people don't get enough fiber from the food they eat. Dietary supplements such as Meta Daily Blood Sugar Support can help. The psyllium husk in Meta Daily Blood Sugar Support is clinically proven to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.* It forms a thick gel in the gut that traps some of the sugar and carbohydrates. This process helps slow the absorption of sugar into your body, helping you maintain healthy blood sugar levels as part of your diet. The ADA offers this simple quiz to help you determine your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Of course, a quiz can't replace a physician's guidance, so consult your doctor to learn more about your prediabetes and diabetes risk. Click here for a coupon offer * This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Prediabetes." Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/prediabetes.html. Accessed on: August 5, 2016. 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Prediabetes. Could It Be You?" Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/images/prediabetes-inforgraphic.jpg. Accessed on: August 5, 2016. 3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. "Prediabetes and Insulin Resistance." Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/types/prediabetes-insulin-resistance. Accessed on: August 5, 2016. 4. American Diabetes Association. "Diagnosing Diabetes and Learning About Prediabetes." Available at: http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/diagnosis/. Accessed on: August 5, 2016. 5. American Diabetes Association. "Fats." Available at: http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/making-healthy-food-choices/fats-and-diabetes.html. Accessed on: August 5, 2016. ©2016 Procter & Gamble WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment. You are receiving this message because you registered with WebMD as drmohamedeid2011@gmail.com. If you did not register for WebMD please contact our Customer Care Team. Unsubscribe  |  WebMD Privacy Policy © 2016 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. WebMD Office of Privacy | 1201 Peachtree Street, NE | Atlanta, GA 30361