Like most problems in life, the answer is not always simple. That being said, for the vast majority of people who are prediabetic, and even for type 2 diabetics, the simple answer is yes. In this 3-part series, we’re going to discuss what it actually means to be prediabetic or have type 2 diabetes, some scary statistics regarding diabetes in America, and how you may be able to normalize your blood sugar through simple diet changes.
First, let’s talk about some scary statistics when it comes to type 2 diabetes (and prediabetes) in America.
According to estimates, a staggering 11.3% of the U.S. population—equivalent to over 37 million people—suffers from diabetes. When it comes to prediabetes, 96 million Americans aged 18 and above, constituting 38% of the population, are considered prediabetic. In the 65 and over age group, nearly half, 48.8%, are in the prediabetic category. While these statistics are not new to many of us, terms like prediabetes, Type 1 Diabetes, and Type 2 Diabetes often remain shrouded in confusion. Today, we aim to clear the fog surrounding these terms.
Understanding the Key Blood Markers
Two primary blood markers are used to determine whether you fall into the prediabetes or diabetes category: fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c.
- *Fasting Blood Glucose*: This marker is relatively straightforward to grasp. After consuming carbohydrates and, to a lesser extent, protein, your blood glucose levels rise. In response, your body releases insulin, facilitating the absorption of sugar into your cells, thereby lowering your blood glucose. To maintain optimal health, your blood sugar must stay within a narrow range. The fasting blood glucose test measures your blood sugar after an 8-hour+ fasting period. Elevated levels indicate either prediabetes or diabetes depending on the level. The normal fasting blood glucose level should fall between 80 and 100 mg per deciliter. A reading between 101 and 125 indicates prediabetes, while anything exceeding 125 is indicative of diabetes.
- *Hemoglobin A1c*: This marker provides a comprehensive overview of your blood sugar control. It offers a snapshot of your blood sugar levels over the past three months, reflecting sugar levels at the time red blood cells were formed. A normal A1C reading is 5.6 or lower. A range of 5.7 to 6.4 is considered prediabetic, and anything above 6.4 confirms diabetes.
**Understanding the Underlying Causes**
Why might your blood glucose levels stray from the normal range? Various factors can contribute such as stress, digestive problems, and hormonal issues, but the most common culprit is prolonged and excessive sugar consumption, leading to a loss of insulin sensitivity over the years. Initially, your body compensates for sugar excess by increasing insulin production to encourage cells to absorb more sugar. However, over time, cells become resistant to insulin signals, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels.
**Taking Control of Your Blood Sugar**
Now that you have a clearer understanding of interpreting your blood work and identifying prediabetes or diabetes, it's essential to explore strategies for improvement. In our upcoming post, we'll dive into actionable steps to lower both your fasting blood glucose and A1c levels.
We hope this article has been informative and has shed light on the pressing issue of blood sugar regulation in America. If you found this information helpful or have specific questions, please don't hesitate to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading and stay tuned for our next installment.