McLEOD HEALTH 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

By: Dr. Kyle Burke
McLeod Family Medicine Center

Prediabetes is defined by blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, yet not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. When not managed properly, prediabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes, which is why early detection is so important.

The possibility of developing prediabetes increases after the age of 45.

Risk factors include:

• Being overweight or obese
• Family history of type 2 diabetes
• Engaging in physical activity fewer than 3 times per week
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol

There are several warning signs of prediabetes. When identified early, lifestyle changes and medical interventions can be more effective in managing blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of developing diabetes. Early recognition of symptoms allows patients to seek medical advice sooner, leading to quicker adoption of healthier habits, and if necessary, for treatment to begin.

Warning signs are the body’s way of signaling there is something wrong with the regulation of your blood sugar. Paying attention is the first step in effectively managing prediabetes.

Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination

One of the more common early warning signs of prediabetes is increased thirst and frequent urination. When blood sugar levels are elevated, the kidneys work harder to filter and absorb excess glucose. When the kidneys cannot keep up with the demand, the excess sugar is passed into the urine. Fluids are moved out from the body tissues, leading to dehydration and triggering the feeling of increased thirst.  As you drink more fluids to relieve your thirst you will find yourself urinating more frequently. You may not recognize these symptoms at first, but they can become more noticeable as prediabetes progresses to type 2 diabetes.

Fatigue

Fatigue can be an important sign of fluctuating blood sugar levels. When the body struggles to use insulin, it impacts how the body processes glucose for energy leading to a feeling of tiredness or exhaustion even after a good night’s rest.

In addition to physical fatigue, you can also experience mental exhaustion, making it hard to concentrate and perform daily activities.

Blurred Vision

Consistently high blood sugar levels can result in temporary changes in the shape of the lens in the eye, impacting vision. The fluctuation in blood sugar levels causes the lens of the eye to swell, altering its ability to focus, and leading to blurred or distorted vision.
Vision changes can alter corresponding to variations in blood sugar levels. Blurred vision as a prediabetes symptom should not be ignored, as it signifies that the body is struggling to regulate blood sugar effectively. It is a warning sign that if left unaddressed, it could lead to the progression of type 2 diabetes and bring about more serious and permanent vision problems.

Increased Hunger

When insulin function is weakened, glucose from the food we eat struggles to enter the body’s cells where it is converted into energy. As a result, despite eating a regular diet, the body may not be able to use this glucose for energy effectively. The body then signals the brain to increase food intake to make up for this perceived lack of energy, resulting in feelings of increased hunger.

Unexplained Weight Loss

While you find yourself experiencing increased hunger, you may also lose weight without even trying. Remember, the glucose from the food we eat cannot enter the cells as efficiently to be used for energy, so the body then starts burning its fat and muscle stored for energy, leading to weight loss.

Slow Healing Cuts and Wounds

Consistently high blood sugar levels can be harmful to the body’s natural healing process damaging the vessels that supply vital nutrients and oxygen to various parts of the body, including the skin. The damage can impair blood circulation, which is necessary for wound healing and makes wounds, cuts, or bruises take longer than usual to heal.

High blood sugar levels can also weaken the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight off infections. This means even minor cuts can be in danger of infection, further delaying the healing process.

Talk to Your Doctor

Recognizing early warning signs of diabetes is critical in proactive health management. Early detection of warning signs is vital in preventing the progression of the disease and avoiding long-term complications. Work with your primary care provider for help in taking steps towards a healthier lifestyle in effectively managing prediabetes.

Primary Care Physician Dr. Kyle Burke says even losing as little as 7% of your body weight can make a difference in turning around your risk for prediabetes.

Dr. Burke and his team at the McLeod Family Medicine Center will work with you toward a healthier lifestyle to effectively manage your prediabetes.

In addition to caring for patients at the McLeod Family Medicine Center, Dr. Kyle Burke is a faculty member of the McLeod Family Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Burke is accepting new patients. Appointments can be made by calling 843-777-2800.