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HEALTH

Abrazo dietitian offers five ways to combat prediabetes

1 in 3 American adults have it; many don't know it

Posted 11/21/20

The holiday season is coming and so are big meals, sweets and more. It’s a time when many tend to overindulge. And we’ve endured months of a pandemic that has changed our eating and drinking habits. It’s a good time to consider our risk for prediabetes.

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HEALTH

Abrazo dietitian offers five ways to combat prediabetes

1 in 3 American adults have it; many don't know it

Posted

The holiday season is coming and so are big meals, sweets and more. It’s a time when many tend to overindulge. And we’ve endured months of a pandemic that has changed our eating and drinking habits. It’s a good time to consider our risk for prediabetes.

Prediabetes is a warning sign that blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not quite high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.

Approximately 88 million American adults — 1 in 3 — have prediabetes. More than 84% of prediabetics don’t even know they have it. It’s a serious health condition with increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

READ: Abrazo West launches two new medical residencies

“There are no clear symptoms of prediabetes, which is why the condition often goes undetected,” said Katy Stemple, a registered dietitian and manager of the Abrazo Medical and Surgical Weight Loss program.

“You may be at risk for prediabetes if you are overweight, are age 45 or older, have a family history of diabetes and do not exercise regularly,” Ms. Stemple, who specializes in obesity, weight management and surgical weight loss, said

“If you suspect you might have prediabetes, taking a simple blood sugar test during your next check-up will help you and your doctor discuss your risks for diabetes,” she said. “In the meantime, now is a good time to make lifestyle changes that can delay or even prevent prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and other serious health issues.”

The top five ways to prevent prediabetes are:

  1. Eat healthy. Choose foods low in fat and calories and high in fiber. Eat fewer refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, white rice and pasta. Instead, focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
  2. Stay active with five brisk, 30-minute walks or two cardio-intensive exercise classes each week.
  3. Weight Loss, if you are overweight. Give yourself a goal of 5 to 7%t of your body weight (that’s just 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person). Once you’ve reached your goal, maintain your weight, and enjoy the health benefits.
  4. Stop smoking. Prediabetes is just one of the numerous health risks of smoking.
  5. Take medications as needed. If you are at high risk, your doctor can recommend medications that can help control cholesterol and high blood pressure.

“Motivating yourself to make these simple changes in your habits may not be easy at first, but these are basic ways that anyone can be proactive about their health. During the pandemic it’s more important than ever to take care of yourself,” Ms. Stemple said.

Delaying care could lead to complications for those who postpone even routine inpatient procedures or screenings, she noted.

“Hospitals and doctors’ offices have protocols in place to make your visit safe. Today is a good day to start new healthy habits, your health can’t wait,” she said.

For more information on surgical weight loss or finding a physician near you, visit AbrazoHealth.com or call 1-877-934-9355.