Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes are both characterized by blood sugar levels that are higher than normal. The pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach, produces our body’s insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps to transport sugar from the bloodstream into your body’s cells, where it is then used for energy. This process controls the amount of sugar in your blood, preventing it from getting too low or too high. Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes occur when the body isn’t producing enough insulin or becomes resistant to the effects of insulin. As a result, sugar levels build up in the bloodstream. Pre-diabetes is diagnosed when sugar levels are considered higher than normal, but not as high as in diabetes. Pre-diabetes will put you at a higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.

 

You may have pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes without experiencing any visible signs or obvious symptoms. Type 2 diabetes is often not diagnosed until health problems associated with high blood sugar become apparent.  Some typical symptoms can include vision problems, kidney disease or nerve damage.  If left untreated, diabetes can cause serious problems such as stroke, heart attacks, kidney failure, blindness, and even leg amputation. It’s very important to determine if you have pre-diabetes or diabetes, so that you can adapt your lifestyle or take specific medication to manage the disease. All individuals at risk should be screened for diabetes and pre-diabetes.

 

Being older and overweight are the greatest risk factors for developing diabetes. Risk factors that increase your chances of developing high blood sugar include:

• Age 45 or older

• Body mass index 25 or higher (a measure of overweight)

• Having a parent, sibling, or child with diabetes

• Race and ethnicity (rates of diabetes tend to be higher in African Americans, Latinos/Hispanics, and American Indians)

• Gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds

• High blood pressure (135/90 mm Hg or higher)

• Low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol (below 35 mg/dL in men or 45 mg/dL in women) or high levels of triglycerides (above 200 mg/dL)

• Having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

 

There are two different blood tests that can be used to determine the levels of sugar in your blood to help diagnose pre-diabetes or diabetes:

 

• Fasting blood glucose test (FBG) - Blood is drawn in the morning after you go without food for at least 8 hours.

• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGT) - This test is also done in the morning after going without food overnight or for at least 8 hours. However, blood is drawn before you drink 8 ounces of a sugary solution and then again 2 hours after. This is the most accurate test to identify diabetes and pre-diabetes.

 

If blood tests show you have high blood sugar, talk with your doctor about the best way to manage your condition. The choice of treatment depends on whether you have diabetes or pre-diabetes and how well you respond to specific treatments. Many people can control their blood sugar through diet and exercise. If diet and exercise alone are not enough, there are several medications available to manage diabetes. Getting screened is the most important first step. Knowing your blood sugar levels and working closely with your doctor to keep it under control, will help to promote a long and healthy life.