Although pre-diabetes (hidden diabetes), which is accepted as the beginning of diabetes, is a preventable problem, studies show that 1 out of every 3 people in Turkey has pre-diabetes. Considering that this problem, of which the incidence rate is 36 percent, causes diabetes in the long term; it reveals how important it is and the necessity of taking precautions.

What is Pre-diabetes?

Pre-diabetes, known as hidden diabetes, is defined as a person's blood sugar level higher than normal and lower than the required limit for the diagnosis of diabetes. This pre-diabetes period is also referred to as 'pre-diabetes' or 'impaired glucose regulation', that is, the transition phase from normal glucose level to Type 2 diabetes. According to studies, most people with hidden diabetes are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes after 10 years.

Diabetes is a very common disease, being in 1 out of every 7 people. The precursor of this, pre-diabetes, is observed in 1 out of every 3 people. Since obesity descends to childhood age in the world, pre-diabetes is seen as a common disease also in childhood.

Why is Pre-Diabetes so Important?

A disease setting that progresses with high postprandial blood sugar and the with high preprandial blood sugar, and causes diabetes is observed, in the disorder defined as insulin resistance. This situation has all the risks of diseases caused by diabetes. Organ damage occurs in 20 percent of patients diagnosed with diabetes, and patients apply to physicians with problems such as visual impairment, risk of heart attack, and kidney failure. These problems also occur in people with pre-diabetes. For this reason, it is beneficial to know the symptoms in advance and to take the necessary precautions.

What Are the Symptoms of Pre-Diabetes?

Pre-diabetes does not have any symptoms. Symptoms only appear when it turns into diabetes. Complaints such as dry mouth, drinking a lot of water, and frequent urination are seen only after this stage. Although it seems like a silent phase, it is important in terms of the problems it causes.

What Are the Risk Factors for Pre-Diabetes?

The primary cause is a familial genetic factor. In addition, factors such as hypertension, diabetes during pregnancy, poor nutrition, sedentary life, and being overweight cause the risk of disease independently of each other. People with such complaints need to go through regular sugar monitoring. In particular, people in the risk group should have their blood sugar measured and followed-up once a year. 

Can Pre-Diabetes be Prevented?

Pre-diabetes, which is accepted as the starting point of diabetes, is seen as a preventable problem. Diabetes begins when insulin secretion is impaired in the pancreas. The most important incitant factor is the excess fat in the body and the resulting toxins. Therefore, losing weight, eating healthy, and exercising help to eliminate these disorders. In this way, it is possible to regress the course of diabetes in the long term. Studies on this subject show that these disorders can be regressed by 58 percent by changing their lifestyle, losing weight, and exercising. However, a 27% improvement can be achieved with drug treatment.

What to Do to Prevent the Disease?

Losing weight is an important factor in preventing the disease. For this reason, it is important to lose 10 percent of body weight first. Good nutrition and weight control should be ensured. Sugar and flour should be completely eliminated from our lives and 3 meals should be consumed regularly without skipping meals. Besides, exercising should also be included in the routine of life, and attention should be paid to regular exercise for a minimum of 150 minutes a week. People with a family history of diabetes need to be more careful about this issue in order not to encounter diabetes.