Is Diabetes Sneaking Up On You Like a Silent Killer?

Could you be among the 1 out of every 3 Americans with prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes.* It is estimated that 1 out of 3 Americans have prediabetes, but up to 80% of them don’t even know it. This is because there are often no signs or symptoms of prediabetes in the early stages of the condition.

People with prediabetes are at an increased risk of developing diabetes, as well as other serious health problems. For example, people diagnosed with diabetes have a 4 times greater risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death. Most importantly, the damage caused by diabetes may already be happening in people with prediabetes, even if they don’t have full-blown diabetes yet.

So, how do you know if you have prediabetes?

One way is to get tested by a medical professional. There are a number of different tests that can be used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes, including the fasting plasma glucose test, the oral glucose tolerance test, and the hemoglobin A1c test.

Another way to detect prediabetes and diabetes is to be aware of the symptoms of these conditions. The top 3 symptoms that people often experience when they are first diagnosed with diabetes include:

1. Increased thirst: It’s like you can’t get enough to drink.
2. Frequent urination: All the fluids you’ve been drinking have got to go.
3. Extreme fatigue: You’re tired to the bone for no apparent reason.

What are the risk factors?

Risk factors for prediabetes and diabetes include being over 45 years old, being overweight or obese, being physically inactive, and having a family history of diabetes. If any of these risk factors apply to you, it’s important to be extra vigilant about your health and to get tested if necessary.

If you experience these symptoms and they are really intense, it’s time to get tested by a medical professional.  It’s important to take care of your health and get tested if you think you may be at risk for diabetes.

In conclusion, prediabetes and diabetes are serious health conditions that can lead to a number of serious complications if not properly managed.

It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of these conditions and to get tested if you think you may be at risk.

Don’t let diabetes sneak up on you like a silent killer. Take control of your health and get tested today.