I've Been Diagnosed with Prediabetes: Now What?

More than 1 in 3 American adults has prediabetes. It’s a diagnosis that means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough for Type 2 diabetes.

In honor of National Diabetes Month, our team at Better Health Management is raising awareness and answering questions. We know that finding out that you have prediabetes can be a wake-up call, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to take control of your health and make positive changes.

With the right lifestyle changes, you can manage and even reverse prediabetes to avoid a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis later on. Here’s what you need to know about prediabetes and what to do now to improve your health.

What a prediabetes diagnosis means

Sugar, or glucose, is your body’s main source of energy. A hormone called insulin helps convert glucose from the food you eat into energy for your body, but diabetes develops when insulin doesn’t work as it should.

People with Type 2 diabetes have insulin resistance. As a result, their bodies can’t convert sugar into energy, and their blood sugar levels rise. Prediabetes is a warning sign that your body is struggling to regulate your blood sugar effectively.

If left unaddressed, prediabetes can turn into Type 2 diabetes. There’s no cure for Type 2 diabetes, and it requires lifelong management.

The good news? Having prediabetes doesn't mean you're destined to develop diabetes. It's a call to action to make positive changes in your life.

Managing prediabetes to protect your health

Unlike Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes can be reversed. That means if you’ve been diagnosed with prediabetes, the next step is implementing healthy changes to lower your risk of the condition progressing to full-blown diabetes.

Our team specializes in chronic condition management, and we’re ready to help you find ways to manage your prediabetes and improve your overall health. Some of the best ways to treat prediabetes are:

Eat a healthy diet

One of the most crucial steps in managing prediabetes is eating a balanced, nutritious diet. Focus on eating plenty of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Limit your intake of sugary and processed foods to avoid spikes in blood sugar. Portion control is also essential, because eating smaller meals more often can help regulate your blood sugar levels naturally.

Get regular exercise

Physical activity also helps your body regulate blood sugar. We typically recommend aiming for at least 150 minutes of exercise per week. Try low-impact activities like brisk walking or cycling. Strength training exercises can also improve insulin sensitivity.

Manage your weight

If you're overweight, losing even a small amount of weight can have a significant impact on your body’s ability to regulate your blood sugar. Ask our team about how you can aim for gradual, sustainable weight loss through a combination of diet and exercise.

Monitor your blood sugar

Regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels can help you track your progress and understand how specific foods and activities affect your body. We can recommend a monitoring schedule for you depending on your specific health needs.

Consider medication

Sometimes, we may prescribe medication to help manage prediabetes. While lifestyle changes make a big difference, they’re not always enough to control blood sugar levels. Always follow your health care provider's recommendations and take your medications as prescribed.

Attend your regular checkups

Finally, get regular follow-up appointments after your prediabetes diagnosis. These visits allow you to track your progress, discuss any challenges you may be facing, and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. 

We’re here to provide ongoing support and education to help you succeed.

A prediabetes diagnosis can be scary, but it’s a chance to take control of your health. You can successfully manage and even reverse prediabetes, and you don’t have to do it alone. Call us at Better Health Management in the Financial District of Manhattan, New York City, at 332-237-4647 or book an appointment online today.