Are there any warning signs which can tell you whether you will have diabetes in coming yrs, specially when you have family history of diabetes or if you are obese and having sedentary lifestyle ? Yes you can, and you can prevent it, too . Know your risk by following doing tests.
Hb A1C Test – This Test gives you average blood sugar level over the past 2/3 months. It can identify pre diabetes (5.7-6.4 %), which raises your risk for diabetes.
Find out your category from this scale.
People with 5.7-6.0% HbA1C have a 5yr risk of development of diabetes between 9%-25%. and 6.0 – 6.5% have a risk of 25%-50%.
Fasting glucose – from 100 to 125mg/dl is defined as Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG) 2hr plasma glucose – (during 75g oral glucose test ) from 140-199mg/dl is Impaired glucose tolerance IGT
Pre-diabetes is defined by presence of impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance test.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is based on calculation of your weight and height with the help of BMI Calculator on Google. Check if you need to lose weight, set a weight loss goal, considering normal BMI for Asians below 23.
You can diagnose Pre diabetes and Obesity with the help of above values. Usually there are no clear symptoms of pre diabetes. it is associated with obesity (specially abdominal or visceral obesity such as fatty liver), high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol and hypertension, hence has an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Many studies have demonstrated that intensive lifestyle behavior change to achieve & maintain 7% loss of initial body weight and increase moderate physical activity like brisk walking to at least 150miles / week can effectively prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.
Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity & reduces abdominal fat. In addition to aerobic activity, resistance training should also be included.
The dietary counseling for weight loss includes reduction in total dietary fats & calories. Emphasis should be given on whole grains, legumes, nuts, fruits, vegetables & minimal refined & processed food.
Lifestyle behavior changes along with pharmacological intervention should be considered in those with prediabetes above BMI 35 kg/m2,
Even small changes in these measures can have a huge impact on delaying or preventing diabetes. So take a moment, think and take action.
Dr. Kalpana Suradkar
MD (Med)
Highway Hospital, Thane