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For many people, the answer may be yes. Diabetes is a chronic health condition that impacts how your body breaks down food into energy, and is caused by the body’s inability to create or use its own insulin. And while type 2 diabetes cases are on the rise in the United States, what’s even more pressing is the number of adults who are considered prediabetic. This condition, if left ignored, may likely result in a diabetes diagnosis.

While an estimated 11.6% of the US population is diagnosed with diabetes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that roughly 66% of Americans have prediabetes.

What is prediabetes?

Those who are considered prediabetic have blood sugar levels that are considered elevated, or higher than normal, but not high enough to have a diabetes diagnosis. With this condition, the body is producing less insulin or is becoming less sensitive to insulin. This leads to a gradual increase in blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels. Prediabetes is widely viewed as a warning sign, indicating an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a stroke, or heart disease.

What are some warning signs and risk factors of prediabetes?

Prediabetes isn’t always detectable through obvious symptoms, and the best way to determine this condition is through a test of your blood sugar level by your medical provider.

Some with prediabetes may notice darkened skin patches, often around the neck or underarms. Other possible symptoms include weight gain, increased thirst, fatigue, and increased urination.

There are some lifestyle and genetic factors that put people at greater risk for developing prediabetes, including:

• Being overweight
• Living a sedentary lifestyle (physically active less than three times per week)
• Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
• Being over the age of 45
• Have a history of gestational diabetes
• Are African American, Latino or Hispanic, or American Indian

What can you do today?

Luckily, even small adjustments to your daily routine can have a significant impact when it comes to preventing a diabetes diagnosis. And if you meet any of the risk factors listed above, you should consider adopting these lifestyle suggestions:

• Visit your doctor regularly

For blood sugar testing in Fountain Hills, your Fountain Hills Medical Center provider can help you monitor your health through routine tests. We can also help you establish and maintain better habits to keep your blood sugar at healthy levels.

• Manage your weight

For those who are overweight, losing even a few pounds can lower blood sugar levels.

• Watch your stress

Did you know that chronic stress can raise your blood sugar? Establish routines that reduce your stress including enjoyable and relaxing activities.

• Examine your diet and activity

We like to suggest that our patients follow the 75/25 rule. Aim to eat a diet of whole grains, a variety of produce, and lean proteins at least 75% of the time. Same goes for exercise – try to fit at least 30 minutes of exercise into 75%, or 3/4 , of your days.

The National Library of Medicine reports on a study indicating that the percentage of those with this diagnosis will rise by 54% by the year 2030. With this sobering statistic in mind, we encourage you to keep close tabs on your health. Make an appointment with us to get tested for prediabetes, consider some of these lifestyle changes, and do your part to ensure that you don’t become part of the diabetes statistics.