How Your Doctor Can Help If You Have Prediabetes

Knowing that you have prediabetes gives you the opportunity to take action to lower your risk for type 2 diabetes. For most people in a Diabetes Prevention Program, losing weight and getting active are the most effective strategies for preventing or delaying the onset of diabetes. Still, there is more you can do for yourself.

Only 1 in 8 adults with prediabetes are aware that they have the condition, so you are already ahead of the game if you know that you are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. You are two steps ahead when you commit to making healthy lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and being physically active, that are known to lower risk for type 2 diabetes.

Along with participating in a Diabetes Prevention Program such as Lark, how can you get three steps ahead? It involves working with a member of your support system who can not only monitor your prediabetes, but also check up on other aspects of your health. As the Lark DPP check-in mentioned, your doctor can be a valuable member of your support team.

Prediabetes and Health Risks

Prediabetes is a risk factor for certain other health conditions. That means if you have prediabetes, you are more likely to have these health conditions than if you did not have prediabetes. Because of these risks, working with your doctor can be more valuable. These are some health risks linked to diabetes.

• High blood pressure, which raises risk for heart disease and stroke.
• High triglycerides, raising heart disease risk.
• Low "good" HDL-cholesterol, raising heart disease risk.
• Kidney disease.

Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle

The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) emphasizes modest weight loss and regular physical activity. Lark DPP additionally coaches on nutrition, sleep, stress management, and other lifestyle behaviors linked to lower risk for diabetes. 

These lifestyle behaviors not only lower diabetes risk, but they can also lower risk for the conditions mentioned above, such as high blood pressure, stroke, and kidney and heart disease. Healthy lifestyle behaviors also have benefits that are detectable within minutes to days. They can improve your strength, energy, stamina, productivity, focus, and mood, for example. 

Working with Your Doctor

So, what do eating right and exercising have to do with your doctor? Your doctor can be a valuable member of your prediabetes management team in a few ways.

• Ordering and interpreting tests not only for blood sugar, but also for blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and kidney function, to make sure you are healthy or to address any concerns early.
• Increasing motivation as you are eager to tell your doctor how well you are doing.
• Suggesting new strategies for overcoming hurdles, or referring you to resources such as walking groups or nutritional seminars.

It may seem as though the ultimate goal is to stay away from the doctor, but working with your doctor on preventive care can keep you from needing more serious care. Discussing any health concerns with your doctor, getting regular tests as recommended, and keeping your doctor posted on your DPP progress can help you stay healthy now and in the future.