One in three American adults have prediabetes

 

One in three American adults, or 84 million, has prediabetes and 90% of them do not know it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“They could have symptoms or they could just live a normal life,” said Dr. Amena Iqbal, an endocrinologist in St. Joseph, Michigan.

Prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal. However, the levels are not high even for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

Symptoms of the condition include going to the bathroom often, changes in weight and fatigue.

Risk factors include being over the age of 45, overweight and of a certain race, mainly African Americans, Latinos, and Indian Americans. Also, having a family history of diabetes may increase your chances of having prediabetes.

Prediabetes can lead to a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, as well as increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Three blood tests can be done to determine if prediabetes is present.

“Every patient is different but once prediabetes is diagnosed your risk can lower by 50% if you lose weight and exercise,” Dr. Iqbal said.

Dr. Iqbal recommends exercising 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week and eating a well-balanced diet.

Callie Counsellor contributed to this story.