Health And Fitness News 

Understanding Pre-Diabetes

Most people with pre-diabetes have no symptoms, though their bodies are feeling the brunt of this condition. Pre-diabetes is diagnosed by one of two tests - the fasting plasma glucose test or the oral glucose test. The condition is diagnosed when the blood glucose levels are higher than normal, yet below the range at which diabetes actually occurs.

Pre-diabetes used to be known as Impaired Glucose Tolerance or Impaired Fasting Glucose. The name was changed because it was a bit confusing to some people - the seriousness of the situation, the fact that people with this condition are more likely to get adult onset, type 2 diabetes. In fact, most people develop this within 5 to 10 years of having pre-diabetic symptoms.

Fortunately, if a person is diagnosed with pre-diabetes, they can actually delay or avoid type 2 diabetes by carefully managing your blood glucose levels. Diet and exercise are the best ways to do this. And losing weight if you're overweight is top of the list.

Symptoms associated with pre-diabetes include weight gain, sugar cravings, and even obesity. The infamous 'middle aged spread', or weight gain around the belly area, could be a signal of this condition.

Even though no symptoms may be present, those with pre diabetes may still be experiencing damage to their cardiovascular and circulatory system. Thus, it is important to get it checked out.