Pre-diabetis is just what the name implies, almost diabetic but not quite.  To be considered “pre-diabetic” a person would be diagnosed with slightly elevated blood glucose levels, but the levels are not high enough to fall into the range defined as diabetic.

You are at increaed risk for developing pre-diabetes or diabetes if you are:

•You are overweight.

•A parent, brother or sister has diabetes.

•You are African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American or Pacific Islander.

•You had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds or had gestational diabetes.

•You have high blood pressure.

•You have low HDL (good cholesterol).

•You have high triglycerides.

Losing weight and becoming physically active can keep full blown diabetes from ever forming.

It’s a wise idea to have yourself checked regularly for diabetes even if you show no symptoms.  A simple blood test can tell a doctor your average blood glucose measurement over the past three months.  If this initial screening test shows a higher than normal reading, further tests, including a glucose tolerance test, should be performed.

A glucose tolerance test involves drinking a syrupy liquid of pure glucose after fasting for at least 8 hours.  After drinking the glucose on an empty stomach, your blood sugar levels are monitored continually over the next three hours to see how your body responds.

For more information, here's our easy start guide to Diabetes and Weight Loss.

At Draelos Metabolic Center, we specialize in treating diabetes in our Oklahoma patients. Located just 30 minutes from downtown Oklahoma City in Edmond, Oklahoma, Draelos Metabolic Center is not just another Health Clinic. It is a premier center for overall health and wellness for those looking for help with overweight or obesity, diabetes, thyroid disorders or other endocrine issues.