Is Pre Diabetes Reversible-facts we need to know.

'Is pre diabetes reversible?' is a doubt seen to be predominant among a vast segment of ignorant population in most of the developing countries. Many of us are not aware that with a little and timely efforts one can easily reverse his pre diabetes condition and get cured of the pre diabetic symptoms which, if neglected, can become a serious health problem in the future. Awareness is the biggest weapon to combat diabetes, a silent killer.

One report says, on an average, people with type2 diabetes die 5-10 years before people without diabetes. And if not well controlled, diabetes can lead to heart attack, stroke or kidney failure. We have just observed the “world day for awareness against Diabetes” on 14th November, 2011. A WHO report of 2000 reveals that there were over 170 million people affected by diabetes and the number is expected to grow to about 365 million by 2030. The survey also projected that developing countries will see an escalation in number of diabetics by 200 per cent. In India alone over 50 million have been diagnosed with Type2 diabetes and as far as the population with pre diabetic symptoms is concerned, only China exceeds India. This rising tide of diabetes sufferers has affected the countries of the world to such an alarming degree that as per a latest study every 10 seconds a person dies of diabetes. This alarming rise in number of diabetic patients around the world and dire predictions of worse to come, dissemination of knowledge and spreading of education amongst the vast segment of uninformed population has become extremely urgent to remove their often-expressed doubt as to 'is pre diabetes reversible?'. Early identification of pre diabetic symptoms and treatment of such persons, therefore, have assumed greater significance and posed a great challenge to the diabetologists.

What is Pre Diabetes?

Pre diabetes condition is the stage between normal and regular diabetes. Doctors say that this is an alarming sign. It has been observed that pre diabetic symptoms in people are not significantly prominent. This is a condition when the blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not as high as in Type2 diabetes, which is more common type when our body does not make or use insulin well. The term ‘pre diabetes’ has been given by the American Diabetic Association with an intention to create awareness and convey seriousness of the condition, motivate people to opt for appropriate treatment and for lifestyle modification. Pre diabetic symptoms take a long time to transform into established diabetes.

Now let us go into the question of many- 'is pre diabetes reversible'? The good news about this is that it can be reverted back to normal if adequate steps are taken in time. Doctors say that the reason behind high sugar is entry of glucose into the blood cells due to disturbance in the dynamics of insulin. This sugar circulates in the blood stream, but is unable to penetrate into cells and tissues to produce energy. The exact reason for this is not known. Type2 diabetes is often related to lifestyle and eating patterns.

Treatment

Early identification and treatment of people with pre diabetic symptoms has the potential to reverse pre diabetes condition and reduce its chance of progress to established diabetes and prevent its related complications. In order to remove the doubt among many whether pre diabetes is actually reversible here are few vital suggestions given by a diabetologist which, if followed regularly, can invariably stop the progress of pre diabetes condition.

1. Sleep 7 hours a day;
2. Exercise 30 minutes a day and do Yoga/Meditation;
3. Maintain Blood Pressure at less than 135/85 mm Hg;
4. Eat small frequent meals at regular intervals. Do not skip meals;
5. Follow a meal plan. Always eat a high high fiber, low-fat diet;
6. Maintain Lipid Profile as below,

• Low-density lipo-protein cholesterol (bad cholesterol): below 130mg/dL(optimally below 100mg/dL);
• Triglycerides: less than 150 mg/dL;
• High-density lipo-protein cholesterol (good cholesterol): above 40 mg/dL for men and above 50 mg/dL for women;

The doctor has also emphasized the need for regular monitoring of progression of the pre diabetic symptoms in the patients suffering from pre diabetes condition . One has to check for worsening blood sugars at least twice a year and any complications related to eye/renal/cardiac once a year.

Conclusion

In nutshell, the good news as pointed out by the diabetologists as an answer to the common query among a vast segment of uninformed population as to 'is pre diabetes reversible' is that we have plenty of opportunities by which pre diabetes can be reversed back to normal, if we care to avail them sincerely. A pre diabetic takes as long as ten years for transformation to a typical Type2 diabetic and if we take the pre diabetic symptoms seriously and get regularly tested, we can easily avoid it. According to a top diabetologist, people need to realize that the main cause for the growth of diabetes ailment is poor diet rich in carbohydrates and fat and absence of physical exercise. Therefore, everyone must get involved in regular physical activity and take a nutritious and balanced diet to avoid development of pre diabetic symptoms. The encouraging news about this ailment is that up to 80% of type2 diabetes is preventable by adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity.

Author's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice.