Symptoms of Prediabetes
Unfortunately, you may have prediabetes and not know it because you have no symptoms or symptoms develop so slowly you just do not notice. Symptoms of prediabetes and diabetes include:
a: unusual thirst
b: a frequent desire to urinate
c: blurred vision
d: fatigue for no apparent reason
e: unexplained weight loss
Who’s at risk?
There are many risk factors for developing prediabetes and diabetes. Some you can control, and some you cannot. The risks you cannot control include,family history of diabetes; a child with one parent with Type 2 diabetes has about a 25 percent chance of getting it,and a child with two affected parents has a 50 percent risk belonging to an ethnic group at high risk for diabetes, such as African Americans, Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, Latinos,and Native Americans!
The risks you can control are related to your diet and lifestyle, and include:
a: high blood pressure
b: low HDL (the “good”) cholesterol
c: high triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood)
d: eating large portions of high-fat, high-calorie foods and a lot of fast food
e: not getting any exercise
Treating Prediabetes
You would not need to take insulin if you have prediabetes, but you will need to get serious about making some important lifestyle changes.Studies of both kids and adults have now shown that about 58 percent of all Type 2 diabetes may be prevented or at least delayed by eating less and exercising more.
According to a 2004 study of children in Germany, significant weight loss through a healthy diet and regular physical activity can improve by eating smaller portions. Portion size in the United States is way out of control. Most restaurants serve far more food than you should really be eating.
1. Avoid all-you-can-eat buffets and super-sized meals.
2. No fad diets. Aim for eating all kinds of healthy foods in moderation. Choose lean meats, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables; you can have an occasional piece of pie, a small soda, or a bit of chocolate as an occasional treat.
3. Avoid soda.
4. Cut out the fat. Do not eat lots of butter or fried foods and you will eliminate a lot of fat; instead, bake or boil your meat. Drink low-fat milk instead of whole or 2 percent.
5. Eat healthful snacks. Reach for fresh fruits and vegetables; if you do not like cooked vegetables, try eating the same foods your family is eating, but make yours raw. Some kids swear that raw peas, carrots, broccoli, and peppers are much tastier.