Unhealthy weights are a major health concern in the United States, however, excess weight should not be viewed negatively due to distorted body image through society standards. Instead, the focus should be on the health complications that can arise. Individuals who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a chronic disease that needs lifelong management. Although type 2diabetes can be managed successfully with lifestyle interventions and medications, once it is diagnosed, there is often already damage in many organ systems making this disease irreversible.
Type 2 diabetes does not develop suddenly. It is preceded by a condition called prediabetes. Prediabetes is often present for years, accompanied by a metabolic condition – insulin resistance. While prediabetes and insulin resistance are in epidemic proportions in the US among adults, most people who have it are unaware that they have it. The good news is that prediabetes and insulin resistance are absolutely reversible with lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise,weight loss and specific nutritional supplements. At Cederquist Medical Wellness Center, the identification of insulin resistance at an early stage, or any stage, has been the cornerstone of our successful weight management program.
Despite the oftentimes absence of physical, noticeable symptoms, there are prediabetes warning signs and risk factors.
8 RISK FACTORS AND EARLY SIGNS YOU MIGHT BE PREDIABETIC
1. GENETICS
A family history of diabetes raises the risk of diabetes. If a family history of diabetes is present, especially in a first degree relative, like a parent or sibling, you are at an increased risk. If both parents have diabetes, you are at an even higher risk.
2. AGE
As we age, we have an increased risk of prediabetes. Specifically, a greater opportunity for prediabetes development comes around age 45. We do however, find evidence of insulin resistance in young people, even teenagers, especially if they are carrying extra weight.
3. RACE
Certain races and ethnicities are more at risk of developing diabetes and prediabetes than others. They include African-American, Hispanic, American Indian, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander. For some ethnicities, like AsianAmericans, very minimal increases in weight over ideal, even as little as 10 pounds, can be a risk for prediabetes.
4. HISTORY OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES
Gestational diabetes is the development of diabetes in pregnancy. Following birth, blood sugar levels often stabilize. However, women with a history of gestational diabetes or birthing a baby over nine pounds are at an increased risk of developing prediabetes and later diabetes.
5. HORMONE CHANGE
When women experience the hormone change of peri-menopause or menopause, insulin resistance increases. Women are largely free from high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease prior to menopause. However, after menopause, women’s risks become equal or even higher than men’s for these conditions.
One culprit is the development or increase in insulin resistance and prediabetes.
6. OVERWEIGHT
Weight is a serious risk factor for developing diabetes. Unlike the risk factors that cannot be modified, weight oftentimes can be. Sometimes, individuals have a genetic disposition or health condition that can interfere with weight loss, despite a healthy diet and moderate exercise. Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of prediabetes and diabetes. People with health conditions that are
adversely affecting their weight need the experience of a medical practice that focuses on this type of patient, such as Cederquist Medical Wellness Center.
7. ENERGY LOSS
A lack of energy may be a side effect of prediabetes. Many people with the condition will experience a drop in energy by 3pm and if able to, they may even nap. This is because the body is not able to move glucose properly into the cells where it is needed for energy, leading to a dip in energy.
8. DARKENED SKIN
A skin condition known as acanthosis nigncans may be a likely sign of prediabetes. Acanthosis nigricans is characterized by darker areas of skin with a mildly raised velvety textures. The areas tend to be in body folds and creases such as the neck and armpits. Some patients have shared that they have scrubbed at these areas thinking it was a hygiene issue which it is not, but rather a sign of insulin resistance.
Physical signs and symptoms may go absent or unnoticed for years. Fortunately, prediabetes can be reversed and halted if caught. Prediabetes and insulin resistance can be evaluated with a medical and laboratory analysisand an individualized plan for insulin resistance reversa l can be easily created. Lifestyle changes play a huge role in prediabetes reversal, especially when weight loss is achieved.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call Cederquist Medical Wellness Center at 239-593-0663.