The length of your health span depends largely on the decisions you make every day, which may or may not result in a prediabetes diagnosis. Without good health, your enjoyment of life, including all the activities as well as achieving the goals and dreams you have are tremendously hindered if not inhibited altogether.
We’ll be looking at what exactly is prediabetes in order to provide a greater understanding of its impact on so many Americans today. Keep reading to discover the five major contributing factors to prediabetes. You’ll learn how to avoid or reverse the disease by making the necessary preventative changes right away.
What is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes is a serious health condition that occurs when your blood glucose levels are slightly above what is recommended. Falling within a prediabetes range does not yet cross the threshold of a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
One of the most dangerous aspects of this type of serious health condition is how often it goes unnoticed. Countless individuals never recognize any major prediabetes symptoms, which may be why 1 in 3 Americans are prediabetic.
However, prediabetes doesn’t have to lead a person down a one-way street to developing Type 2 diabetes. Thankfully, it is often reversible by controlling your weight and dietary lifestyle.
Risk Factor #1 – Overweight or Obese
Being overweight or obese is the greatest risk factor for multiple health conditions, especially prediabetes. The more fatty tissue within and between the skin and muscles surrounding your abdomen— the more your cells resist the presence of insulin. This is why people with a large waist size are more prone to diabetes and heart disease. Men’s waists should not go past 40 inches and women’s waists past 35 inches when trying to avoid increased health risks.
Along with the number on the scale or tape measure, are the types of foods you’re eating. Eating higher amounts of red or processed meat and drinking sugary drinks are both highly associated with an increased risk of prediabetes.
Risk Factor #2 – Age 45 and Up
Your age puts you at automatic risk for prediabetes. Anyone over the age of 45 should take precautionary measures to ensure their blood glucose levels never enter the prediabetic range.
Risk Factor #3 – A Sedentary Lifestyle
Regular inactivity puts you at increased risk. Although sedentary work environments are a shared experience by millions of Americans, you don’t have to allow the rest of your day to remain in a state of inactivity. Intentional daily movement and activity will lead to many rewarding health benefits.
Risk Factor #4 – Family History & Ethnic Background
Family bloodline health conditions put you at risk, especially when a parent or sibling has diabetes or prediabetes. And, unfortunately, some racial and ethnic bloodlines are more prone to prediabetes. This includes Black, Hispanic, American Indian, and Asian individuals.
Risk Factor #5 – Regular Tobacco Smoking
Smoking tobacco is known to negatively affect a person’s health in a variety of ways. It has been shown to raise insulin resistance, making it easier to become prediabetic.
The Importance of Regular Checkups
Regular checkups and bloodwork is a proactive approach for monitoring your health. As you continue to age, it’s best to keep tabs on your lab results throughout the years, identifying changes that may require preventative action. Preserving your health and quality of life is always a smart investment. When you have prediabetes, you are predisposed to developing heart disease and stroke.
Take Control of Your Life Through Permanent Lifestyle Changes
Who doesn’t want to experience a full, vibrant life with as much strength and good health as possible? For all the severe health conditions that are irreversible, this one is not. If you are prediabetic you can still make a significant turnaround in your health. Take advantage of investing in your future right now, with each decision you make.
You may not be able to help some risk factors for prediabetes, such as family history or ethnic background, but you can take charge of the greatest factor, which is your weight and dietary lifestyle. Avoid becoming one of the millions of Americans suffering with this preventable health condition. You’ll be glad you did!
South Coast Post Acute is Southern California’s Premier post-acute Partner
Better health and healing are possible with the right professional oversight. At South Coast Post Acute, we deliver the services needed to restore health, regain autonomy and reduce the occurrences of rehospitalization.
South Coast Post Acute is here for you, at any age. Our innovative care, experienced staff, and welcoming accommodations combine to bring you the high level of care you’ve come to expect from Southern California’s leading post-acute provider.
Contact us today for more information on how we can help on your journey back to restored health.