The word prediabetes means “before diabetes,” meaning the stage before you develop type 2 diabetes. The term “prediabetes” is actually incorrect. Not everyone with prediabetes develops type 2 diabetes. But the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is much higher.
With prediabetes, your blood sugar is higher than normal. Often, you don’t even notice it. That’s the danger.
How does prediabetes develop?
Prediabetes develops in the same way as type 2 diabetes. The body becomes increasingly less able to regulate blood glucose. You no longer respond properly to insulin. Initially, blood glucose is only too high after meals. Later, it also becomes too high at other times.
Prediabetes can develop into type 2 diabetes. This can sometimes take a long time, for example, 10 years. But it doesn’t always happen. So not everyone with prediabetes develops diabetes.
Consequences of prediabetes
Prediabetes puts you at greater risk for type 2 diabetes. But even if you don’t develop type 2 diabetes, prediabetes is bad for your body. Research shows that prediabetes can damage blood vessels, nerves, and the heart. This is due to the higher blood glucose levels. We haven’t known this for very long. Research into prediabetes is therefore crucial. It’s helping us understand more about the effects of prediabetes and what you can do about it.
Pre-diabetes and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke
One hundred thousand Dutch people with prediabetes will have a heart attack or stroke within eight years, according to new research from Maastricht UMC+. This represents approximately one in six people in the early stages of type 2 diabetes. That’s currently around 1.4 million people in the Netherlands!
Because they suffer from high blood sugar levels, arteries can become clogged. As a result, no more blood flows to a part of the brain or heart.
It was long thought that people in the pre-diabetic stage suffered no health damage. For the first time, it now appears that this is indeed the case!
What can you do yourself?
If you know your blood levels are too high, you can choose to take action. Prediabetes can still be reversed!
- A healthy diet plays a crucial role in managing diabetes. This includes plenty of vegetables (400 grams per day), whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats such as olive oil.
- Avoid an unhealthy diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugars, red and processed meat, etc.
- Watch your weight, especially a lot of belly fat is not good.
- Quit smoking. Smoking decreases insulin sensitivity.
- Get more exercise. An inactive lifestyle with lots of sitting and little movement isn’t good for you.
- Avoid alcohol. Alcoholic drinks often contain many calories and carbohydrates.
- Sleep problems and stress affect your blood glucose levels.
- Certain medications, such as antipsychotics and prednisone, can also affect your blood tests. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Finally: take control of your health!
By addressing it early, you can reverse insulin resistance and prevent diabetes. A healthy lifestyle is crucial, focusing on a healthy and varied diet, more exercise, a good night’s sleep, and stress reduction. It’s important to find a routine that works for you and stick to it. This way, you’ll create a healthy balance and regain control over your health. In some cases, your doctor can also refer you to a lifestyle program, where you’ll be guided in taking the right steps.
If you have any further questions about this topic, please feel free to drop by the store!
Source: Leeuwarden Courant 12 May 2025, diabetes.nl, ortho health fondation.
