According to WHO and American Diabetes Association(ADA) criteria, prediabetes was defined as a fasting blood glucose level of 6.1 mmol/L to 6.9 mmol/L, without medication. Diabetes was defined as a level greater than or equal to 7.0 mmol/L or self-reported diabetes medication use.
A prediabetes is an early, reversible stage of diabetes. The diagnosis may seem scary, but there is still time to change the course. It’s really an opportunity to take control of your health by making changes to your lifestyle.
Causes and Possible Signs of Prediabetes
The exact cause of prediabetes is unknown but following are some classic signs and symptoms that suggest you’ve moved from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Excess hunger
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Darkened skin on certain parts of the body.
So, how does exercise prevent prediabetes?
There are no clear symptoms of prediabetes so you may have it and not know it. But you may make changes through diet and physical activity to prevent it from developing into type 2 diabetes. Even small changes can have a huge impact on delaying or preventing diabetes all together.
Principal Recommendations for Dietary & Lifestyle Modification
1. Weight loss of 5-10 % of initial body weight over a 6-month
2. Limit total caloric, carbohydrate & fat intake during each meal
3. Carbohydrate counting and meal planning
4. Low glycaemic index foods
5. Exercise
What is a balanced diet for Prediabetes?
How to change your sedentary lifestyle?
Try to be more active. Do moderate activities 5 days a week.
Moderate activity means your breathing is increased, but you’re still able to talk. It’s things like walking quickly, cycling on flat ground or swimming. Or you may get a professional personnel to guide you in order to set a clear goal and reduce risk of injuring yourself.
How does Physical therapy help in Prediabetes?
Physical therapists are certified and trained professionals that can develop an exercise plan specific to your diabetes or answer questions about which physical activities will suit your lifestyle. Physical therapy exercises for diabetes can help patients restore and increase strength. This is particularly important for older diabetic patients, who often experience weakness as a symptom of the condition.
Article by
Tan Xiao Jiun
Physiotherapist
Your Physio Penang