What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic and sometimes fatal disease, in which the body cannot produce insulin or cannot properly use the insulin it has. There are different three types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes – generally develops during childhood and is treated with insulin
- Gestational diabetes – a temporary condition that can occur during pregnancy
- Type 2 diabetes – the most common type of diabetes and typically develops during adulthood.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease where blood glucose levels are high. In type 2 diabetes, the body cannot use the insulin it has produced or is unable to produce enough insulin to regulate the amount of glucose in the blood. Too much glucose in the blood can damage the blood vessels which in turn can damage vital organs.
What is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes is a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than usual but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is classified when the fasting blood glucose levels are elevated but slightly lower than 7 mmol/L.
Individuals may be at risk for prediabetes if any of the following apply:
- Excess fat around the waist
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Largely sedentary
- No regular exercise
- A family member with type 2 diabetes
- Over 40 years old
The Canadian Diabetes Association suggests that blood sugar should be tested every 3 years after 40 years of age
The good news…
The risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be lowered by making positive lifestyle changes. These include a healthy diet, physical activity, not smoking and moderate alcohol intake.
Want to know more? Read the articles below if you want to learn more about the science behind prediabetes and its risk factors.
American diabetes Association’s Position Statement on Diabetes Care
American College of Sports Medicine Position Stand on Diabetes and Physical Activity