Yes, there is a test to determine whether you have prediabetes. The test is called the A1C test, which measures your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. People living without diabetes should get the prediabetes test every three years starting at age 45. However, if you have certain risk factors, such as being overweight or having a family history of diabetes, you should get tested earlier and more often.

What Is Prediabetes?

Diabetes is a modern-day epidemic that affects millions of people worldwide. In the United States, diabetes (along with obesity) runs rampant, with more than 37 million adults living with type 2 diabetes. To put that number in context, approximately one in 10 Americans has or will develop diabetes at some point in their life.

As alarming as this statistic can be, diabetes, despite its chronic and serious nature, does have a redemptive quality—it usually begins with prediabetes—a frequently reversible condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Although prediabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, you can keep this chronic disease at bay by making long-term lifestyle changes and following an individualized treatment plan prescribed by your doctor.

Symptoms of Prediabetes

It’s not uncommon for prediabetes to be asymptomatic, meaning you can have it and not experience any symptoms. However, those who do have symptoms will likely experience one or more of the following:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue and irritability
• Blurred vision
• Slow healing sores or cuts
• Frequent yeast infections
• Darkened skin in certain areas, such as the neck, armpits, elbows, and knees

Keep in mind, some of these symptoms could also indicate diabetes, which if not treated can lead to serious and even life-threatening complications. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, speak with your doctor as soon as possible to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Who Is at Risk for Prediabetes?

Even the seemingly healthiest people can develop prediabetes. Eating a standard American diet rich in sugar, refined grains and processed foods paired with a sedentary lifestyle is the perfect recipe for several chronic diseases, such as prediabetes, diabetes and heart disease.

Additional risk factors for prediabetes include:

• Weight: Being overweight or obese
• Age: Being 45 or older
• Family history: Parents, grandparents or siblings with diabetes
• History of gestational diabetes
• Ethnicity: Native American, African American, Asian American and Pacific Islander
• Hormonal conditions: Cushing’s Disease and acromegaly
• Medications: Certain steroids, HIV medications and antipsychotics

How Is Prediabetes Treated?

If your blood test comes back showing an elevated blood sugar level (approximately 100 mg/dL to 125 mg/dL), you’ll likely be diagnosed with prediabetes.

Your doctor will then prescribe you an individualized treatment plan focused on healthy lifestyle changes. Expect your treatment to include:

• Weight loss (if you’re overweight or obese)
• Regular exercise
• Eating a healthy and nutritious diet
• Management of related disorders, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol

Your doctor may also prescribe you medication to help lower blood sugar levels.

Prediabetes Foods to Avoid

A big chunk of your prediabetes treatment will consist of eating a healthy diet. This means you’ll need to eliminate foods that cause your blood sugar to spike and are generally bad for your overall health.

Examples of foods to avoid if you have prediabetes include:

• Refined grains and starches (white bread, white rice and pasta)
• Sugary drinks, such as soda and fruit juice
• Saturated fats
• Processed meats (bacon and sausage)
• Sweets (candy bars, chocolate, ice cream)
• Dried fruit
• Flavored yogurt
• Sweet pastries and cakes
• Sweetened cereals

Examples of Prediabetes Meals and Snacks

If you’ve been diagnosed with prediabetes, following a healthy diet may be difficult and discouraging (especially if you have a sweet tooth). Luckily, there are several delicious, healthy and easy to make prediabetes snacks and meals to keep your blood sugar in check.

Examples include:

• Oatmeal with cinnamon and apples
• Chopped rainbow salad with salmon (or any type of lean protein you like) drizzled with olive oil
• Berry, spinach and plain yogurt smoothie
• Hummus with veggies
• Shrimp, asparagus and brown rice bowl
• Avocado and egg whole wheat toast
• Grilled steak with mixed greens and balsamic vinaigrette dressing
• String cheese with a piece of fruit
• A handful of nuts

Test Your Blood Sugar and Treat Your Prediabetes in Houston

At the St. Hope Foundation, we offer a variety of diabetes treatment services to help Houston residents with prediabetes and diabetes manage their condition.

Our services include blood sugar testing nutrition counseling, physical activity classes and education on how to make lifestyle changes that can help manage, prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

To schedule an appointment with one of our trusted medical professionals, call (713) 778-1300.