Prediabetes 101

Posted on by Jordan Soblick

In addition to the tens of millions of Americans who have diabetes, approximately 96 million have a closely related but equally serious condition: prediabetes. As the name implies, prediabetes involves the same fundamental issue as diabetes – higher than normal blood sugar levels – but not yet high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes.

More than 80 percent of individuals with prediabetes don’t know they have it, which means that they can’t or won’t take the steps needed to prevent the condition from progressing to type 2 diabetes and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Getting a diagnosis of prediabetes provides an opportunity to make the lifestyle changes that can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes and minimize the chances of developing related health problems.

What Causes Prediabetes?

The pancreas produces a hormone called insulin that acts like a key that opens the door to cells so blood sugar can get into them to use as energy. The cells in the body of a person with prediabetes don’t respond normally to insulin. In response, the pancreas makes more insulin in an effort to get those cells to respond. The problem is that the pancreas can’t keep up, and blood sugar levels rise, setting the stage for prediabetes—and ultimately type 2 diabetes.

Signs and Symptoms of Prediabetes

A person can have prediabetes for several years without exhibiting any apparent symptoms, which is one reason prediabetes goes undiagnosed so often. So, if you have any of the following prediabetes risk factors, speak with your doctor about getting your blood sugar tested:

  • You are overweight
  • You have a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes
  • You are 45 years or older
  • You have had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or gave birth to a baby who weighed more than nine pounds
  • You are physically active less than three times a week
  • You have polycystic ovary syndrome

Race and ethnicity also play a role in prediabetes risk: African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, Pacific Islanders, and some Asian Americans are at higher risk.

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

People with prediabetes can lower their risk for developing type 2 diabetes by losing a small amount of weight if they’re overweight and getting regular physical activity. A small amount of weight loss means around 5 to 7 percent of your body weight. Regular physical activity means getting at least 150 minutes a week of brisk walking or similar activity.

Keep Your Blood Sugar In Check With CGM

Exercise, a healthy diet, and keeping blood glucose levels as close to your target level as possible are all critical elements of managing diabetes. One way to ensure that you keep your blood levels in check is through Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM). It is a tested, approved, accurate, and easy-to-use transceiver device that helps those with diabetes monitor keep abreast of their blood sugar levels 24/7 without any need to stop what they’re doing to take a blood sample.

Speak with your doctor and contact us today to see if you qualify for CGM and access our guide to continuous glucose monitoring.

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If you are not insured, or have a high deductible health insurance plan, you can still purchase the Freestyle Libre Reader and Sensors at extremely competitive prices. Prices starting as low as $99 per month

1-888-308-0094

*Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol, when symptoms do not match system readings when you suspect readings may be in accurate, or when you experience symptoms that may be due to high or low blood glucose.

Reference 1: Data on file. Abbott Diabetes Care. 2, FreeStyle Libre 14 day User’s Manual

Indications and Important Safety Information

FreeStyle Libre and FreeStyle Libre 14 day Flash Glucose Monitoring systems are continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices indicated for replacing blood glucose testing and detecting trends and tracking patterns aiding in the detection of episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, facilitating both acute and long-term therapy adjustments in persons (age 18 and older) with diabetes. The systems are intended for single patient use and require a prescription.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Remove the sensor before MRI, CT scan, X-ray, or diathermy treatment.

WARNINGS/LIMITATIONS: Do not ignore symptoms that may be due to low or high blood glucose, hypoglycemic unawareness, or dehydration. Check sensor glucose readings with a blood glucose meter when Check Blood Glucose symbol appears, when symptoms do not match system readings, or when readings are suspected to be inaccurate. The system does not have alarms unless the sensor is scanned, and the system contains small parts that may be dangerous if swallowed. The system is not approved for pregnant women, persons on dialysis, or critically-ill population. Sensor placement is not approved for sites other than the back of the arm and standard precautions for transmission of blood borne pathogens should be taken. The built-in blood glucose meter is not for use on dehydrated, hypotensive, in shock, hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state, with or without ketosis, neonates, critically-ill patients, or for diagnosis or screening of diabetes. When using FreeStyle LibreLink app, access to a blood glucose monitoring system is required as the app does not provide one. Review all product information before use or contact Abbott Toll Free (855-632-8658) or visit www.freestylelibre.us for detailed indications for use and safety information.html. . FreeStyle, Libre, and related brand marks are trademarks of Abbott Diabetes Care Inc. in various jurisdictions. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2018 Abbott. ADC-09691 vLO 10/18

*The FreeStyle LibreLink app and the FreeStyle Libre 14 day reader have similar but not identical features. Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol, when symptoms do not match system readings, when you suspect readings may be inaccurate, or when you experience symptoms that may be due to high or low blood glucose.

The FreeStyle Libre 2 app and the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader have similar but not identical features. Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol and when your glucose alarms and readings from the system do not match symptoms or expectations

‡‡‡Based on the sensor being replaced once every 14 days, and scanned at least once every 8 hours.

§§§Glucose readings are not available during 1-hour warm-up, when sensor is too hot or too cold, when you see an error or "LO" or "HI" message, or no current glucose reading