PREDIABETES. ONE STEP CLOSER TO DIABETES.

Prediabetes is the stage prior to diabetes. 
The advantage we have is that an early diagnosis and a number of simple preventive measures will stop it from ever reaching that stage.

• DIAGNOSIS.

Normal blood sugar levels are between 70 and 100 mg.
Prediabetes is diagnosed when blood sugar levels are in between 110 and 126 mg. 
Diabetes: Higher than 126 mg.

Another indicator of prediabetes is glycosylated haemoglobin, which is an indicator that measures our blood sugar levels from the last three months.                
Normal levels: Lower than 5.7.                     
Prediabetes: In between 5.7 and 6.5.                           
Diabetes: Higher than 6.5.

When one of these values is altered a test known as the ‘glycated haemoglobin test’ has to be conducted. This test consists in taking a blood sugar test after fasting, and then repeating it two hours later after ingesting 75 grms of glucose.                               

If the results are in between 140 and 200 mg, then we are suffering from Prediabetes.   

If the results are higher than 200 mg then we are suffering from diabetes.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES:

• KEEPING OUR WEIGHT MONITORED.                                                       

Mainly monitoring the fat that is located around the waist.

• BALANCED DIET.

Rich in vegetables and legumes such as beans, chickpeas, lentils, quinoa, etc. Its composition of complex carbohydrates allows the pancreas to function less.

• Wholemeal cereals.

• Fish.                                                                                                                   

Ingest it two to three times a week.

• Meat.

Ingest meat that is low in fat such as chicken, turkey, etc. twice a week.

• Fruit (three pieces daily, one after each meal).

• Eggs (three to four per week).

• Low-fat dairy products (daily).

ELIMINATE OR DECREASE THE INGESTION OF:

• Foods that are high in fat such as bacon, cold meats, sausages, lard, etc.
• Ready meal foods and baked goods as they use high amounts of refined sugars and saturated and trans fats.
• Alcoholic drinks that are high in sugar such as sweet wines, liqueurs, etc.

• PHYSICAL EXERCISE.                                                                             

Doing aerobic exercises that are age appropriate.                                                     
For example: half an hour to an hour of walking per day.

• PERIODIC BLOOD SUGAR TESTS.

These simple measures can prevent diabetes.

It is worth it!.

Dr J. Hurtado Martínez
Medical Director of HealthSalus