When your blood sugars are higher than normal but not high enough for you to be diagnosed with diabetes, we call it prediabetes.
For most Australians, the term serves as a warning sign - like a check engine signal, indicating that proactive measures are necessary. It's important to understand that prediabetes is not a benign condition and should not be taken lightly.
By the time your blood sugars are abnormal, your health has already been significantly compromised. It's crucial to recognize that prediabetes is a pivotal stage on the path to developing diabetes.
The first stage involves the development and progression of insulin resistance, where insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar, does not function properly. As a result, the pancreas must release more insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Prediabetes represents the midway point on your journey to diabetes.
When the pancreas can no longer release enough insulin to overcome the progression of insulin resistance, blood sugar levels rise. At this point, insulin levels are 2-3 times higher than normal, and pancreatic function is impaired by 50%. For most people, this occurs approximately 10-15 years into their journey.
The risk of developing severe complications related to diabetes, such as heart disease and cancer, has already increased at this stage.
More than 50% of those with prediabetes will eventually develop diabetes, with approximately 6% doing so within the first year.
Waiting for diabetes to manifest before taking decisive action simply doesn't make sense. The earlier we address insulin resistance, the greater the likelihood of reversing the condition.
To illustrate this, imagine cars driving towards a cliff, and our response is to position an ambulance at the bottom to deal with the aftermath. Furthermore, our entire healthcare system is built around addressing the consequences at the base of this cliff!
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prediabetes, it's essential to disregard the "pre" label. You are well on your way to compromised health, and the time for significant action is now.
Here's what you can do:
Understand why this has happened to you. Learn about the connection between your lifestyle choices and the development of insulin resistance and diabetes.
Gain awareness of where you stand on this journey. Educate yourself about the key biomarkers that indicate the progression and reversal of insulin resistance and diabetes.
Familiarize yourself with the 4+2 Diabetes Reversal Strategy - an evidence-based, holistic approach to reversing insulin resistance through intensive lifestyle changes.
By taking these steps, you can proactively manage your health and work towards reversing insulin resistance, ultimately reducing your risk of developing diabetes. Remember, early intervention is key, so don't wait to take action.
