Did you know two million Australians have pre-diabetes and are at high-risk of developing type 2 diabetes?
We can define pre-diabetes as a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, although not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Often pre-diabetes will not have clear signs and symptoms. However, people with pre-diabetes do have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular (heart and circulation) disease.
Without sustained lifestyle changes, including healthy eating, increased activity and losing weight, approximately one in three people with pre-diabetes will go on to develop type 2 diabetes. There are two pre-diabetes conditions:
- Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes.
- Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) is where blood glucose levels are escalated in the fasting state but not high enough to be classified as diabetes.
It is possible to have both Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG) and Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT). Essentially the same risk factors are in place for pre diabetes as are those for type 2 diabetes. The treatment involves the same lifestyle changes that are recommended for people diagnosed with diabetes. For most, this will include regular physical activity, healthy eating and if necessary losing weight. People with pre-diabetes are also at increased risk of heart disease, so controlling blood pressure and blood cholesterol and triglycerides is also important.
They key takeaway that's important to recognise is that you can change eating and exercise habits to prevent becoming a diabetic. If you know anyone who you think would benefit from making these lifestyle changes and training with us, we would love an introduction to help them achieve a diabetes-free life! You can refer them here.
