PRE-DIABETES CONDITION

PRE-DIABETES CONDITION (IGT)

·         Pre-diabetes condition is the window period when one’s blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be deemed full-fledged type-2 diabetes.

·         Technically called Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT), most patients with IGT end up becoming diabetic in around 10 years.

GLUCOSE TEST FOR IGT

·         During a fasting blood glucose test, less than 100 mg per cent glucose is normal, 100-125 mg per cent is called impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and 126 mg per cent and above is diabetes.

·         During an oral glucose tolerance test (consuming 75 gm glucose and testing blood sample after 2 hours), less than 140 mg per cent glucose is normal, 140-199 is IGT, and 200 mg per cent and above is diabetes.

SYMPTOMS OF IGT

·         Pre-diabetics may show the same symptoms as diabetics – excessive thirst and hunger, frequent urination, blurred vision and itching skin – but occasionally.

·         Usually, people diagnosed with IGT are around 35 years old, but there are younger patients too.

·         Girls as young as 15 years of age with menstrual problems can also develop IGT.

·         Abnormal lipid profile and blood pressure can also begin at this stage.

CAUSES OF IGT

·         IGT basically results from ineffective action of insulin in the body.

·         Stomach converts food to glucose which enters the blood stream.

·         Pancreas produce sufficient insulin, but with ineffective use.

·         Glucose is therefore unable to enter the body effectively, and its level in the blood increases.

·         Being overweight, an abnormal paunch, lack of exercise and a high calorie diet are contributing factors.

·         IGT in younger people is because of the progressive increase in fat percentage of the body.

·         Obesity and faulty diet are closely associated with IGT in people of all ages.

PREVENTION OF IGT

·         IGT can be prevented from progressing to diabetes if we take adequate care at the right time.

·         Control weight

o        Target 10% body weight loss.

o        Walk 45 minutes a day.

o        Eat 3-5 portions of 5 fruits and fibre-rich vegetables daily.

o        Restrict your diet to food with low fat and low calories.

o        Avoid fast foods, oily stuff, packed and processed foods.

o        Maintain an ideal body weight and BMI.

·         Eat smart

o        Drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday.

o        Eat whole grains, nuts, raw vegetables and dairy products.

o        Eat 5 fruits daily, especially pomegranate and citrus fruits.

o        Eat cucumber, lettuce, onion, garlic, carrot and spinach.

o        Try half a teaspoon of cinnamon twice a day.

o        Take bitter gourd as a juice or in cooked form.

o        Include fenugreek, mustard, neem, turmeric and cumin.

·         Stay off from

o        Refined sugar, syrups, jams, ice-cream, cakes, biscuits, chocolates and condensed milk.

o        Fried foods and fats like butter, clarified butter and hydrogenated vegetable oil.

o        Excessive salt consumption, caffeine and alcohol.

·         Regular blood test for

o        Every one above 40 years of age.

o        Those with family history of diabetes.

o        Over-weight and obese persons.

o        Those who are doing sedentary and stressful jobs.

o        Those with history of pregnancy-induced diabetes.

o        Everyone for preventive blood test at regular intervals.

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