Q: I’ve always been heavy at over 225 pounds and stay very busy fishing, working and keeping up with my grandchildren and day to day issues that arise. Despite this, when I went to my doctor and he did some routine blood work, he told me I was pre-diabetic. I don’t eat a lot of sugary stuff like candy so I just don’t understand why this condition has popped up now. I’m retired and my wife cooks healthy meals. What is going on?
A: Pre-diabetes implies that your blood sugar levels are higher than the normal ratio but aren’t so high as to classify you as a type 2 diabetic. You may be quite fortunate that you went to your physician when you did, since your condition could have advanced to the real McCoy; whereas now you have time to make some important and early changes that will bring your levels into line. It’s fair to say that most individuals diagnosed as you were are equally surprised, simply because pre-diabetes often has no signs or symptoms of type 2 diabetes which may include fatigue, frequent urination, increased thirst, and blurred vision.
Individuals at an increased risk for diabetes include having a family history of the disorder, having a history of hypertension, being overweight with a BMI (body mass index) above 25, and leading a sedentary lifestyle. Women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy or having polycystic ovary syndrome are also at an increased risk.
The sugar in our body originates, to a large part, from the foods we eat – especially those that contain carbohydrates. For that matter, any foods, sweet or not, that contain carbs may be contributory.
As the body digests foods, sugar enters the bloodstream with the assistance of insulin where it becomes a source of energy. As a healthy individual ingests food, the pancreas secretes insulin into the bloodstream which allows sugar to enter bodily cells. Unfortunately, this process is less efficient in the pre-diabetic, so instead of becoming an energy source, sugar builds up in the bloodstream.
According to the American Diabetes Association, blood glucose monitoring should begin by the age of 45 unless there are pre-existing conditions which might cause a physician to test a patient earlier. Testing might begin with an A1C, which provides an average of sugar levels for a two to three month period. A normal level should be below 5.7. A level of 5.7 to 6.4 is considered pre-diabetes. One 6.5 or higher on more than one test is considered type 2 diabetes. Keep in mind that there are extenuating circumstances that might give false readings. For women, the first consideration is pregnancy. For men and women, there could be an uncommon form of a hemoglobin variant. Then there is a fasting blood sugar test which implies a person has fasted for eight hours prior to having blood drawn. Normal readings are those with a blood sugar level lower than 100 mg/dL. Levels from 100 to 125 mg/dL fall into the pre-diabetes category. Levels of 126 mg/dL or higher may indicate type 2 diabetes.
While you indicate you are active and eat well, be sure your diet includes fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Coordinate your physical activity so you get between a half hour and one full hour of exercise every day, if possible. Continue your fishing, but add walking, biking, jogging, swimming, or other activity to help reduce the weight you are carrying. You’ll be glad you did, since the alternative isn’t an ideal situation to face and you have the ability to reverse the unwanted consequences. Good luck.
