Borderline Diabetes - An Opportunity to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Borderline diabetes, also referred to as pre-diabetes, is when fasting blood sugar levels are between 100 and 125 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). You are not yet diabetic but are at risk to develop type 2 diabetes.

Not everyone who is pre-diabetic will get diabetes, but any blood sugar level above normal should be taken seriously. By the time a blood glucose test shows that you have pre-diabetes, you probably have insulin resistance - that is, your body has become less sensitive to the effects of insulin.

Diabetes-related complications are thought to begin during the pre-diabetes stage. However, because there are usually no symptoms of pre-diabetes, you should familiarize yourself with the risk factors for diabetes, which include:

Being overweight
Sedentary lifestyle
Family history of diabetes
High blood pressure
High LDL ("bad" cholesterol)
Low HDL ("good" cholesterol)
High triglycerides
Age - risk increases with age
Abdominal fat

These risk factors can be assessed by your doctor and through a simple blood test. If you have risk factors or are showing signs of diabetes, you need to be tested regularly. It is better to find out sooner rather than later if you are pre-diabetic or diabetic so that you can take steps to manage your health and avoid additional complications.

Lifestyle changes now can help you prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes. Dietary changes, weight loss, and regular exercise can all help to lower blood sugar levels. Even a modest weight loss of 5% to 10% of your body weight can make a significant difference in your health. Some medications are also available to help lower blood sugar levels.

Using a glucometer can help you understand how your body reacts to certain foods and to exercise. Even if you're not diabetic, but you are at high risk, it may be worth your while to invest in a glucometer. Your doctor can advise you how often you should test. By measure your blood sugar levels, you can better understand what causes increases (or decreases) in blood sugar, and armed with this information, you will be better able to come up with a plan of action.

If your blood sugar levels are still normal, a healthy diet and active lifestyle will help to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with borderline diabetes, taking action now could make all the difference. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and what you can do to prevent diabetes.