How to Stop Pre-Diabetes

When you hear the word "pre-diabetes," you might think of the inevitable development of diabetes. But pre-diabetes is more of a warning sign, saying "change your habits." In most cases, you can stop pre-diabetes, preventing the development of type II diabetes in the future. Simple lifestyle changes like eating better and moving more can stop pre-diabetes. These lifestyle changes can prevent the occurrences of other conditions as well.

Significance

• Pre-diabetes is a silent, preventable condition that affects 57 million people in America, according to the American Diabetes Association. Furthermore, they define pre-diabetes as a condition with higher than normal blood sugar levels, just not high enough to be classified as diabetes. The fasting glucose level will fall between 100 and 125 mg/dl. Just because pre-diabetes is silent doesn't mean it's harmless. Pre-diabetes not only increases the chance of developing diabetes but can also increase problems with the heart, eyes and kidneys.

Weight Loss

• Losing weight can be the key to stopping pre-diabetes. This doesn't mean you have to drop the pounds and become the same weight you were in high school. Simply lowering your weight by five to seven percent can stop pre-diabetes and prevent you from developing diabetes in the future, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. For example, if you weigh 180 pounds, a nine pound weight loss might stop pre-diabetes. There's a simple formula for weight loss: Eat fewer calories and exercise more.

Exercise

• Exercise also helps stop pre-diabetes. Revving up your heart rate to a moderate level and working your muscles helps improve your body's usage of insulin. It also helps the weight loss equation by burning extra calories. Exercise between 30 and 60 minutes per day most of the days of the week, according to the American College of Endocrinology. This could be a walk, a bike ride, a run or a swim.

Diet

• Diet changes further halt pre-diabetes. Drop the foods high in fat. and choose a lower-fat alternative. Fill your plate with foods that are rich in fiber. Examples include whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Choose these instead of the empty, refined carbohydrates. Diet changes can improve insulin function and lower blood sugar levels to normal.

Medications

• When diet and exercise don't work, some medications can help. Ask your health-care provider. The Diabetes Prevention Program found that the drug metformin (also known as Glucophage) could stop pre-diabetes, reducing the risk of developing diabetes by 31 percent. Acarbose (Precose) might help as well.