The condition of prediabetes can sound like a daunting term, but in reality, it is just a wake-up call for you to start taking better care of your body. It is essentially just a warning that you might experience type 2 diabetes in the future.
Some Effective Pre-Diabetic Treatments
What it means is that your blood sugar is fairly higher than normal, but is not high enough to be classified as diabetes. It does not have any disastrous symptoms as yet, but it in no way means that you can ignore it, for that could lead to your condition slipping into diabetes, which would then require you to frequent the hospital, pay an enormous amount in medical bills, and have to take loads of prescribed medications.
This means that being diagnosed with prediabetes should make you alert enough to bring about some drastic changes in your lifestyle. The primary treatment for prediabetes is self-care, so here are some of the ways you can incorporate a healthier and more mindful way of living into your life and fight this condition:
1️⃣ Make healthy foods your staple diet:
Choose foods such as whole fruits and vegetables, which are high in fiber and other important nutrients. Shun foods are high in trans fats and calories. This would require you to stay away from processed foods, foods with a high amount of sugar, and even foods from restaurants, especially fast-food chains. Include a balanced diet into your routine, so that you derive a wide variety of nutrients without having to compromise on their taste.
Use healthy fats such as olive oil and peanut oil if you want to, and also try to add more herbs and spices to your dishes.
2️⃣ Shed those extra pounds:
Being overweight can easily contribute to you developing type 2 diabetes in the near future. If you are overweight, then direct your efforts towards losing at least 5% to 7% of your body weight. Weighing up to 200 pounds is the safest, and can greatly reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Make changes such as developing an exercise regiment and having a dedicated meal plan that would help you achieve your weight goals.
Make sure to not take any unhealthy routes, and only focus on mindful eating as well as engaging in physical activities that would also help you relieve your stress, along with losing weight.
3️⃣ Develop a habit of exercising:
Getting your body moving is the best way to combat prediabetes. Try to engage in physical activities such as running, cycling, dancing, brisk walking, or even hitting the gym if you want to work out under a trainer. Studies show that around 150 minutes of moderate exercise or at least 75 minutes of intense physical activity is best for your body.
Do not overwork yourself, and start out slow, especially if you do not have the habit of working out. Exercising regularly not only reduces the risk of diabetes in the future but also strengthens your body, protects you from other illnesses like high cholesterol and heart diseases.
4️⃣ Quit smoking:
You might already be well acquainted with the dangers of repeated smoking. From various respiratory diseases to heart disorders, it puts your body at a high risk of developing a range of maladies. It also increases your chances of developing type 2 diabetes to a large extent, which is why you should definitely try to quit smoking immediately.
5️⃣ Take your medications:
If your doctor thinks that the chances of you developing diabetes are very high, then you may be prescribed some medicines to keep it at bay. This could include metformin, glumetza, et cetera. You may also be given some medication to keep your cholesterol and blood pressure in check.
Never forget to take these, as that could lead to negative effects on your body. Seek medical help if you experience extremely taxing symptoms and adhere to any and all advice that you might receive from your doctor.
Conclusion:
While prediabetes is usually not something to worry about immediately, it could blindside you if you ignore it for too long. This condition poses an opportunity for you to make better choices in your lifestyle and you should make full use of it. Steer clear of any unhealthy habits and foods, and focus on getting plenty of physical activity. Try to engage in more mindful ways of living, and you should definitely find yourself on the winning side in the battle against prediabetes.
