Understanding Prediabetes: Early Detection and Prevention

What is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes doesn't usually have any signs or symptoms. One possible sign is darkened skin on certain parts of the body, particularly the neck, armpits, and groin.

Understanding the Causes

The exact cause of prediabetes is unknown. But family history and genetics appear to play an important role. Most of the glucose in your body comes from the food you eat. When food is digested, sugar enters your bloodstream. Insulin allows sugar to enter your cells – and lowers the amount of sugar in your blood.

Classic Signs and Symptoms

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Increased hunger
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands
• Frequent infections
• Slow-healing sores
• Unintended weight loss

Prevention and Treatment

When you have prediabetes, this process doesn't work as well. Instead of fueling your cells, sugar builds up in your bloodstream. This can happen because:

• Your pancreas may not make enough insulin
• Your cells become resistant to insulin and don't allow as much sugar