What Are the Symptoms of Prediabetes?

When an individual’s blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes, he or she is said to have prediabetes. This condition is very common—in fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 1 out of 3 Americans have prediabetes and the large majority are not aware there is a problem.

Having prediabetes means there is still time to reverse your condition and improve your health. However, prediabetes usually doesn’t cause obvious symptoms. In rare cases, a person’s skin may darken around the knees, elbows, knuckles, and neck.

The best way to prevent prediabetes and its progression to diabetes is to recognize what factors increase your risk of developing these conditions. Be sure to speak with a medical professional about regular blood sugar testing and diabetes prevention strategies if you:

• Are overweight
• Are closely related to someone with type 2 diabetes
• Have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Live a sedentary lifestyle or rarely exercise
• Developed gestational diabetes during a pregnancy

What Does Prediabetes Treatment Involve?

The goal of prediabetes treatment is to prevent diabetes and improve overall health. The best way to accomplish this is to safely lose excess weight by maintaining a healthy diet and regularly exercising. The CDC recommends being active for 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Speak with a doctor about what exercises and diet changes would be most appropriate for your unique health situation.

Diabetes Treatment & Prevention at Tufts Medical Center Community Care

Tufts Medical Center Community Care provides world-class disease management and preventive care services to patients with a variety of health concerns, including prediabetes, type 1 and 2 diabetes, and other endocrine disorders. Our multispecialty medical group is made up of more than 90 skilled practitioners, including endocrinologists, primary care physicians, neurologists, behavioral health professionals, and dozens of other specialists who collaborate to seamlessly meet the health care needs of our patients, no matter how complex. Furthermore, we make it simple to find the right doctor thanks to our better-than-average appointment availability and multiple easily accessible locations throughout north suburban Boston.

Tufts Medical Center Community Care is a part of MelroseWakefield Hospital and Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford—two trusted names in local healthcare for more than 20 years. As such, our patients have access to our American Diabetes Association (ADA)-certified diabetes self-management program, where they receive comprehensive treatment, education, and support services to help ensure the best possible outcomes and quality of life.

Schedule an Appointment

If you would like to consult a physician about your diabetes risk factors or learn more about our approach to prediabetes and diabetes treatment, contact Tufts Medical Center Community Care today to schedule an appointment. You may also reserve an appointment online at your convenience. If you have any questions about our services, physicians, or accepted insurances, please don’t hesitate to give our friendly team a call.