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Have you recently visited the doctors only to find out you're prediabetic? Do you have a friend or family member that has told you they are prediabetic? You may be trying to figure out what “prediabetes” is and if it’s something to concern yourself with.
Recently I was out to dinner with my in-laws when my father-in-law told us he was diagnosed with prediabetes. My husband was confused because he thought you are either diabetic or you're not. He had never heard of prediabetes. Meanwhile, my father-in-law was trying to convince me that it wasn’t that big a deal because he wasn’t diabetic. I have a feeling many people feel the same way so I thought I would try to clear a few things up.
Most people who have diabetes type 1 or type 2 find out because they have a symptom and go to their doctor for help. I went into the doctors because I had a pain when I coughed and thought I might have a hernia. My doctor had me do a urine test to rule out a UTI or bladder infection. The next day they called me at work and asked me to come in immediately. That’s when I found out my A1c was above 9. An A1c of 6.5 or higher means you have diabetes. Turns out the pain I was having was due to really high blood sugar. Most people find out they are sick because something happens, like they pass out, lose their vision, have a strange pain, or simply go in for a physical. Their doctor runs some tests and their lives change forever. Most people do not get a warning beforehand because prediabetes does not always show symptoms.
If you are one of those lucky people who have been given a warning, here are a few things to consider. First diabetes SUCKS! Seriously, this disease will literally eat away at you (or, at least, the parts of you that your blood comes in contact with) from the inside out. If you have diabetes you will lose any expendable income you once had because even co-pays can add up to hundreds or thousands a month. Most diabetics need to test their blood sugar (with lancets aka needles) in the morning, night, and before every meal. Prediabetics should also test their blood sugar. If you are put on insulin you will have to deal with all those needles as well. If you are put on pills you may find yourself running to the bathroom every time you eat or drink something you shouldn’t. Seriously this disease SUCKS!
Everything in your life will change and so will your attitude at first. These changes are necessary because if you don’t make a change you can start saying goodbye to the things you really like, such as;
• Your Vision • Your Teeth • Your Nerves • Your Liver/Kidneys • Your Heart and Blood Vessels If it sounds like I’m trying to scare you it’s because I am. I have never met someone with diabetes that said “it's not so bad.” because it is bad and it does take a lot out of you. If you are one of the few people that get a warning, take it and make a change. Make a change right now. Not next week or for your News Years resolution start now. Prediabetes doesn't need to turn into diabetes. Just losing 7%-10% of your body weight can change everything. If you plan on waiting or ignoring your doctors advice I suggest you start saving some money and PTO now, because you’re going to need it later. If you already have borderline or prediabetes you should be testing at home. Follow the links below to the testing monitors I recommend.
If you are at risk of developing diabetes or you think you might be borderline diabetic, I recommend buying anat home A1C kit. You can take the test at home before going to your doctor. If you just go to your doctor first, you will have the blood test on your health record. Regardless of what the test says, it will still be on your record. Taking the test at home first will give you the option of telling your doctor. I also suggest you pick up a blood glucose monitor kit with some test strips. That way you can occasionally check your sugar first thing in the morning or at those times during the day, that you feel off. Taking control of your health is the first step to better health.
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