Prediabetes is often unnoticed until it becomes a serious health problem, but catching it early can change its path significantly. If your doctor has told you that your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be considered Type 2 diabetes, you’re at an important point.
With the right strategies, you can take control and possibly reverse the condition. It’s important to act quickly to stop prediabetes from turning into Type 2 diabetes and causing other health issues. In this article, we will go over several strategies to help you reverse your prediabetes.
1 – Manage your weight
Managing your weight is key when dealing with prediabetes because losing weight helps your body use insulin better and keeps your blood sugar levels stable. This can lower your chances of getting Type 2 diabetes.
Losing weight the right way means making changes that you can keep up over time, not just quick fixes. Try eating more fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and cut down on processed foods and sugary snacks. Also, getting regular exercise is important. Find activities you enjoy, like walking or swimming, so you’ll stick with them.
If making these changes isn’t enough to help you lose weight, you might think about using medications for weight management. Taking a prescription can help but make sure you understand these considerations for medication-based weight management. Always talk to your doctor about the best plan for you.
2 – Get physical
Physical activity is very important for managing prediabetes because it helps keep your blood sugar levels under control and makes your body better at using insulin.
For good blood sugar control, you should mix aerobic exercises with strength training. Aerobic exercises like walking, running, biking, or swimming are great for your heart and help you burn calories, which can help with weight loss. Strength training, like lifting weights or using resistance bands, builds muscle. More muscle means your body burns more calories, even when you’re resting.
Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise every week. You can break this down into 30-minute sessions over five days. Also, try to do strength training at least twice a week. It’s important to pick exercises that you enjoy and can keep doing regularly. Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise plan.
3 – Medical interventions
When diet and exercise aren’t enough to manage prediabetes, it might be time to think about using medication.
One common medication for prediabetes is metformin. It works by reducing the amount of sugar your liver makes and makes your body better at using insulin. Depending on your health and risk factors, your doctor might suggest other medications too.
It’s also important to regularly check your blood sugar levels. This helps you and your doctor see how well your treatment is working and make any needed changes. Make sure to keep up with regular doctor visits. These appointments let your doctor guide you, tweak your medication if necessary, and handle any side effects or other issues.
