Manage prediabetes naturally | Fusion - WeRIndia

Prediabetes is a health condition where your blood sugar level is higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. The condition does not have clear symptoms. Often people do not know that they have it.

If you find the following symptoms, check your blood sugar levels frequently. If your vision is blurry, you are more tired than normal, thirstier than usual, or you pee a lot, then do not ignore them.

Your doctor may suggest some tests to diagnose the condition. Fasting plasma glucose test is one of them. If your blood sugar is between 100 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL, then you have prediabetes.

The Haemoglobin A1c test or HbA1c test is another blood test that shows your average blood sugar levels for the past three months. If it is less than 5.6%, it is considered normal. If it is between 5.7% and 6.4%, it is considered prediabetes.

An oral glucose tolerance test is also a blood test. It is conducted two hours after taking a sugary drink. A fasting glucose test is conducted at first. The second test is carried out two hours after consuming a sugary drink. A blood sugar level in the range of 140 to 199 mg/dL after the second test indicates prediabetes.

If you have prediabetes, you can manage it in the following ways:

• Eat a healthy diet. Add whole grains, good fats, and nuts to your diet. Drink sufficient water and avoid sugary drinks and baked and fried products.
• Lose weight. Even losing five per cent of your weight can make a big difference.
• Exercise regularly. Doctors recommend at least 30 minutes a day and five days a week. These include walking, jogging and swimming. They can keep you active.
• Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control.
• If you are a smoker, quit the habit for your health. Also, limit your alcohol consumption.

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