Managing Your Metabolism: How to Prevent (or Reverse) Prediabetes Naturally

Did you know nearly one-third of all adults in the U.S. have prediabetes? That’s over 96 million people! Prediabetes is a condition that occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes.

Prediabetes is the most common metabolic disorder. It often serves as a warning sign that you may develop the more serious type 2 diabetes in the future. But here’s the encouraging news… By making simple lifestyle changes, you can prevent, or even reverse, prediabetes naturally.

In this article, we’ll explore some proven and effective strategies to manage your metabolism and protect yourself against prediabetes.

Confronting Your Genetic Legacy: Are You Predestined for Prediabetes?

A family history of diabetes is a significant risk factor for prediabetes. Genetics play a role in how your body responds to insulin and manages blood sugar levels. But having a family history of diabetes doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop the condition.

By making positive changes to your diet, engaging in regular exercise, managing stress levels, and maintaining a healthy weight, you can effectively reduce the risk of developing prediabetes, regardless of your family history. 

The CDC’s national Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), has shown that people with prediabetes who lost 5 to 7% of their total body weight and followed a healthier lifestyle cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58%.

Empower Your Health: Strategies to Prevent Prediabetes Naturally

It’s crucial to address prediabetes promptly to prevent its progression into full-blown type 2 diabetes. Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar levels, is a common indicator of prediabetes. 

While weight gain around the abdomen is common, it is not a universal symptom of prediabetes. However, excess abdominal weight hinders your body’s ability to convert glucose into energy, increasing the risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Chronic stress can also raise your blood sugar levels, so finding healthy ways to manage stress is crucial for preventing or reversing prediabetes. 

Numbness and tingling in your hands and feet can also indicate nerve damage caused by sustained high blood sugar levels. This condition, known as peripheral neuropathy, is more often associated with advanced type 2 diabetes than with prediabetes. If you notice numbness and tingling, it’s essential to consult your doctor, because this can indicate a serious issue. 

While reversing nerve damage is challenging, managing blood sugar levels through dietary changes and regular exercise can prevent the progression of peripheral neuropathy. By recognizing the signs and symptoms associated with prediabetes, you can take proactive steps to reverse prediabetes naturally.

Monitoring Your Blood Sugar is Essential

One way to monitor your blood sugar levels is through a fasting glucose test. This test is a common way to detect prediabetes. It measures your blood sugar levels after you have not eaten or consumed any beverages (except water) for at least eight hours. 

Although this test provides a baseline reading of your blood sugar level, it’s not the most accurate picture of your glucose levels over time. To do that, your doctor will order a hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test. This measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months, providing a more comprehensive assessment of your blood sugar than a fasting glucose test.

Let Hoag Medical Network Help: Schedule Your Blood Sugar Test Today

At Hoag Medical Group in Orange County, we’re dedicated to comprehensive testing and providing the highest quality of individualized care so you can successfully manage your metabolism and blood sugar.

Schedule a blood sugar test at one of our many convenient locations throughout Orange County. Or to make managing your metabolism even easier, join our membership program, Hoag Compass, to get outstanding personalized healthcare from wherever you are. 

These blood sugar tests are typically covered by your insurance when deemed medically necessary and prescribed by your doctor. Consult your doctor or insurance provider for more information.

With dedication and commitment, managing your metabolism can lead to a healthier future and naturally reduce your risk of developing prediabetes and diabetes.