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88 million American adults — more than 1 out of 3 — have prediabetes.
More than 8 in 10 adults with prediabetes don’t know they have it.
With prediabetes your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
Prediabetes increases your risk of:
If you have prediabetes, losing weight by eating healthy and being more active can cut your risk of getting type 2 diabetes in half.
According to the American Diabetes Association, there are many factors you can control. Prediabetes is a condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes and even heart disease. Your chances of having prediabetes go up if you:
If you have prediabetes, losing a small amount of weight if you’re overweight and getting regular physical activity can lower your risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
A lifestyle change program offered through the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program can help you do that. This free program offers a year of support.
Participants who lost 5-7% of their body weight and added 150 minutes of exercise per week can cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 58% (71% for people over 60 years old). Let us help you create healthy habits. You can change your lifestyle for life. The best time to prevent type 2 diabetes is now.
Identifying prediabetes in children is a critical step in ensuring their long-term health and well-being. While it’s more commonly associated with adults, an increasing number of children are being diagnosed with prediabetes due to sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and genetic predispositions.
Recognizing the signs of prediabetes in children is essential for early intervention. Some common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss or gain. However, it’s important to note that prediabetes can often be asymptomatic, making regular screenings crucial, especially for children with risk factors such as obesity, family history of diabetes, or belonging to high-risk ethnic groups like Hispanic, African American, or Native American.
If you notice any signs of prediabetes in your child or if they have risk factors, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional promptly. A pediatrician or a pediatric endocrinologist can perform tests such as fasting blood sugar levels, oral glucose tolerance tests, or HbA1c tests to diagnose prediabetes accurately. Early detection allows for timely intervention, which can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Once prediabetes is identified, proactive steps can be taken to prevent its progression to type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle modifications play a pivotal role in managing prediabetes in children. Here are some strategies parents and caregivers can implement:
Aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. Encourage activities that your child enjoys, whether it’s playing sports, biking, dancing, or simply going for walks as a family. Limit screen time and promote outdoor play whenever possible.
If your child is overweight or obese, focus on gradual, sustainable weight loss through a combination of healthy eating and physical activity. Small, achievable goals can lead to significant improvements in overall health and insulin sensitivity.
Create a supportive environment at home that promotes healthy behaviors for the entire family. Set a positive example by making healthy choices together and involving children in meal planning and preparation.
Schedule regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to monitor blood sugar levels and assess progress. These visits also offer opportunities to address any challenges or concerns and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
In addition to lifestyle modifications, some children may benefit from medications such as metformin, especially if they have significant risk factors or if lifestyle changes alone are insufficient in managing prediabetes. However, medication should always be used in conjunction with healthy lifestyle habits, not as a substitute for them.
Preventing prediabetes in children requires a multi-faceted approach involving awareness, education, and proactive intervention. By identifying risk factors early, promoting healthy behaviors, and seeking timely medical care, parents and caregivers can empower their children to lead healthier lives and reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
Reversing diabetes is a complex but achievable goal that requires commitment, lifestyle changes, and often medical guidance. While type 1 diabetes cannot be reversed because it involves the immune system attacking insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, type 2 diabetes, which is more common, can often be reversed or significantly improved through targeted interventions. Here are some key strategies for reversing diabetes:
Adopting a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for managing blood sugar levels and promoting overall health. Focus on whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains while minimizing intake of processed foods, sugary snacks, and refined carbohydrates. Portion control and mindful eating can also help regulate blood sugar levels.
Physical activity plays a crucial role in reversing diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and aiding in weight management. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, per week, along with strength training exercises at least twice a week. Consistency is key, so find activities you enjoy and make them a regular part of your routine.
Losing excess weight, especially abdominal fat, can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Even modest weight loss of 5-10% of body weight can have profound benefits. Combine dietary changes with regular physical activity to achieve sustainable weight loss goals.
In some cases, medications such as metformin or other oral hypoglycemic agents may be prescribed to help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. It’s important to work closely with healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate medication regimen based on individual needs and medical history.
Chronic stress can contribute to insulin resistance and exacerbate diabetes symptoms. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or engaging in hobbies and activities you enjoy to promote emotional well-being.
Monitor blood sugar levels regularly and track progress toward your goals. This allows for timely adjustments to your treatment plan and helps identify any potential complications early on.
Reversing diabetes requires a comprehensive approach addressing diet, exercise, weight management, stress, and medication as needed. By making sustainable lifestyle changes and working closely with healthcare providers, many individuals with type 2 diabetes can achieve significant improvements in their condition and even experience remission of the disease.
4545 Crain Highway
White Plains, MD 20695
Phone: 301-609-6900
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM – 5 PM
Health Officer
Dianna E. Abney, M.D.
To protect, promote, and improve the health, safety, and environment of Charles County residents.
A healthier Charles County