5 Early Signs of Pre-diabetes
Pre-diabetes is defined as a state of abnormal glucose homeostasis in which blood glucose levels are elevated above those considered normal, but not high enough to meet the criteria required for a diagnosis of diabetes. Despite not being classified as diabetes, pre-diabetes is frequently overlooked over looked even by the medical community. Taking proactive steps at this stage though is crucial, because not only is it easier to reverse, but it significantly increases the risk of developing diabetes, as well as increasing one’s risk of cancer, dementia, obesity and heart disease.
Here are 5 signs to keep an eye out for that may indicate dysregulated blood sugar levels
Blurred Vision.
Fluctuations in eyesight can result from high blood sugar, which causes swelling of the eye lens. Rapid changes in blood sugar levels can lead to sudden shifts in the lens shape, resulting in blurred vision. Over time, if left unmanaged, can cause damage to the lens and progress into vision loss or even blindness, known as diabetic retinopathy. Type 2 diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in those 20-74 years old.
Increased thirst & Frequent urination
This happens as a result of the body exerting extra effort to eliminate excess glucose which has been filtered from the blood. This results in increased urine production compared to normal levels. Over time, the kidneys may stop functioning optimally and make more urine than the bladder can comfortably hold, further exacerbating frequent urination. This can lead to dehydration, prompting increased thirst and perpetuating a cycle of heightened urination and thirst.
Weight Gain in the Belly
Abdominal fat is one of the biggest signs that blood sugar is out of balance. This is because when blood sugar is elevated, the pancreas increases insulin production to move it out of the blood stream. Insulin plays a critical role in metabolism by directing the body to store excess sugar as fat. Unfortunately, this fat is isolated around the belly, posing risks to internal organs. This type of visceral fat increases one’s risk of stroke, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Fatigue
Those with mismanaged blood sugar often experience regular or consistent fatigue for several reasons. For one, when blood sugar rises and drops, this rise and fall can make people feel tired. In addition, high blood sugar can impair mitochondria- the energy producing parts of our cells- leading to a reduction in ATP (the body’s energy molecule). Other contributing factors to fatigue include poor sleep as a result of poor lifestyle and diet, dehydration, and a physically inactive lifestyle.
Skin issues
The skin is sensitive to internal stimuli and is said to be a reflection of what is happening inside the body. High blood sugar alters hormones, such as increasing insulin to the point of insulin resistance, as well as increasing insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). These hormones can cause inflammation of the skin, leading to higher sebum production, acne, oily skin, bumps, skin tags, discoloration and in the long run, more wrinkles and sagging.
By Melanie Luther, CHN, MS
