Insulin resistance occurs when specific cells, such as your fat, muscle, or liver cells, ignore the signals from the insulin hormone. Insulin controls the glucose in your blood.
If your cells ignore the hormone, glucose does not enter the cells as it should do normally and accumulates in the blood. This can cause type 2 diabetes.
Are you at risk?
You may be at risk if you fit in one or more of these categories:
- A waist measurement of 40 inches or more
- High blood pressure
- Low HDL levels (below 40)
- Smoker
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Triglycerides levels 150 mg/dL or higher
- A family history of diabetes
- Sleep apnea
- Ethnicities at a higher risk include Asian American, Hispanic, African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, and Pacific Islander American
See your doctor for tests
Your medical provider will run blood tests to check for prediabetes. If your results fall within these levels, your provider will discuss your next steps.
An A1C (glycated hemoglobin) of 5.7 to 6.4 percent, an FPG test (fasting plasma glucose) of 100 to 125 mg/dL, or an OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test) of 140 to 199 mg/dL.
4 key measures to prevent prediabetes
1. Exercise. You know it is a must. Now it’s time to do it. Get up and move that strong body!
2. Eat healthy food. Cut back on processed foods, white bread, fast food, and sweets like cookies, ice cream, and candy. Add colorful fruits and veggies.
3. Lose weight. Ten pounds may be the start to get you on track. Ask your doctor for support.
4. Get more sleep. Reduce late-night technology use and make a comfortable bed. Don’t drink a lot of fluids or eat a heavy meal before bedtime.
Remember that your medical provider has the facts you need. You can go to the American Diabetes Association for blogs, tips, and support.
