Pre Diabets

Type II Diabetes has become somewhat of an epidemic of late.  More and more people are being diagnosed with this potentially life threatening condition.  Type II Diabetes usually sets on later in life, although more younger people are being diagnosed every day with this disease.  

According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 54 million people in the United States have pre diabetes.  Pre diabetes is a condition in which the blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be considered Type II diabetes.  Although pre diabetes is not a full fledged disease, it can also cause complications in the heart and blood circulation if left untreated.

The good news about pre diabetes is that with proper nutrition and the care of a physician, you can avoid being diagnosed with Type II diabetes.  The condition can reverse itself, but it does take work on the part of the individual, as well as compliance with the orders directed by your physician.

Obesity is also an epidemic in the United States and many in the medical community believe that this is contributory to the corresponding diabetic epidemic.  It is the general consensus of the medical community that obesity is a precursor to Type II diabetes.   Therefore, those who have pre diabetes can stave off the disease by making some healthy life choices that will eliminate their need for medication or insulin in later years.

One way to reverse the effects of pre diabetes is to maintain a healthy weight.  This can be easily accomplished through diet and exercise.  For those who feel that it is too much trouble to manage their weight or complain that they do not have the time to exercise, they need to realize that the time they spend exercising now can eliminate their time spent on dialysis.  While not all people with diabetes experience kidney failure, many do.  And when the kidneys fail, these patients must spend many hours each week, hooked up to a machine that functions as their kidneys.

Those who complain that they do not want to watch their diet can be reminded that it is easier to watch their diet than to inject themselves with insulin or monitor their blood glucose levels several times a day.  Those who feel that foods that are rich in carbohydrates are less expensive than healthier alternatives can be reminded of the cost of medications and doctor visits for those who refuse to take control of their condition right away.

While some people are pre disposed to diabetes through genetic factors, others acquire this disease by eating too many bad carbohydrates, being inactive and not maintaining a healthy weight.  If you have been told that you have pre diabetes, do not fret.  You can reverse this condition.  Begin an exercise regime, even if it only entails walking.  Take a look at the Glycemic Index that explains which foods diabetics should avoid and follow these suggestions.

See your doctor about being put on a weight loss program and make certain that he or she continues to monitor your blood glucose levels.  Pre diabetes does not have to turn into Type II diabetes.  By developing a healthier lifestyle, you can reverse this condition and lead a longer, healthier life.