This blog is sponsored by Pre-diabetes.com

Pre-diabetes is a serious metabolic condition that should never be ignored. It is now estimated that more than 41 million Americans have pre-diabetes. Your genes, lifestyle, and weight all play an important role in who may become pre-diabetic. Children, teens, and adults can develop pre-diabetes.

Pre-diabetes is a medical condition that increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.  Pre-diabetes (also called “prediabetes”) can affect children, teens, adults, and seniors.

The term “pre” means “before” diabetes.  Pre-diabetes is an early warning sign of serious disease risk including for type 2 diabetes.

Pre-diabetes effects insulin production and how the body metabolizes carbohydrates.  A person with pre-diabetes may gain weight easily if they are insulin resistant, especially if they eat a high-carb diet.

Not everyone with pre-diabetes will develop full on-set type 2 diabetes, but if you do not treat it, most people with pre-diabetes become diabetic within ten years after being diagnosed.

How is pre-diabetes diagnosed?

A simple blood test that can often be done in your doctor’s office can tell you whether or not you have pre-diabetes.  If you are over age 40 ask your doctor to screen you for pre-diabetes.  Read, “How is Pre-diabetes Diagnosed,” for more information.

Who should be tested for pre-diabetes?

People who are overweight with an apple shaped body should be tested for pre-diabetes.

Pre-diabetes can often be reversed, but it does not go away by itself.  Most people with pre-diabetes do not even know that they have this condition.   If you are at-risk or suspect you may have pre-diabetes be sure to talk with your doctor as soon as possible.

People who carry excess weight around their abdomen and chest have a higher risk of being pre-diabetic.  People who have skin tags, and changes in skin color (called acanthosis nigricans) in their armpits, under the breasts, in the groin, on the face, or the back of the neck may be showing signs of having insulin resistance.  Excess acne, especially in adults can also be a sign of insulin resistance.