Are you one of the estimated 54 million people in this country who have pre-diabetes?
Pre-diabetes is a silent health condition that has no symptoms and is almost always present before you develop type 2 diabetes.
It is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as full-blown diabetes. If you haven’t visited your doctor, a good way to see if you are at increased risk for pre-diabetes is to take the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Diabetes risk test by visiting
Among those who should be screened for pre-diabetes include overweight adults age 45 and older or those under age 45 who are overweight and who have one or more of the following risk factors:
- Habitually physically inactive
- Have previously been identified as having impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)
- Have a family history of diabetes
- Are members of certain ethnic groups (including Asian, African-American, Hispanic or Native American)
- Have had gestational diabetes or have given birth to a child weighing more than 9 pounds
- Have elevated blood pressure
- Have elevated cholesterol
- Have polycystic ovary syndrome
- Have a history of vascular disease
That said, if you have pre-diabetes, your risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be reduced by a sustained modest weight loss and increased moderate-physical activity, such as walking 30 minutes a day.
Through weight loss and increased physical activity, a dietitian may direct you on how to make food choices that cut down on the amount of fat and carbohydrates by:
- Eating more foods that are broiled and fewer foods that are fried
- Decrease the amount of butter you use in cooking
- Eat more fish and chicken
- Eat more meatless meals
- Re-Orient your meals to reflect more vegetables and fruit
If you have symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue and blurred vision, you may have crossed from pre-diabetes to type 2 diabetes.
It’s best to consult a physician if you’re concerned about pre-diabetes or if you notice any type 2 diabetes signs or symptoms. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center is centrally located and has convenient hours. To make an appointment, call 718-206-7001.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.