Diabetes and Heart Health

From wvik.org

This month, we have been talking about heart health. Did you know people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop heart disease compared to those without diabetes? In fact, the longer someone has diabetes, the higher their risk of developing heart disease.

High amounts of glucose in your blood damage your blood vessels and nerves, increasing your risk of developing heart disease.

If you have diabetes, here are a few things you can do to protect your heart.

Know your A1C results. Your haemoglobin A1C differs from your daily blood sugar checks because it shows the average blood glucose level over the past three months. Your healthcare provider will set your A1C goal, which will generally be below 7%.

Know your blood pressure. When you have high blood pressure, excess stress is placed on your blood vessels, damaging your heart, brain, and kidneys, putting you at risk for a heart attack or stroke. For most people who have diabetes, your blood pressure goal will be below 140/90 mm Hg. But speak with your healthcare provider to see what is best for you.

Knowing your numbers and keeping them within the desired range will help decrease your risk of heart disease. This week, speak to your healthcare provider to get tested and then take steps to make the lifestyle changes needed to protect your heart.

Thank you for listening! I hope you have a happy and healthy day ahead. Content for this episode was provided by Diane Reinhold, nutrition and wellness educator for University of Illinois Extension. 

https://www.wvik.org/podcast/wellness-wake-up-call/2025-02-16/diabetes-and-heart-health

Doctor shares five symptoms of type 2 diabetes – one isn't usually 'associated' with disease

From getsurrey.co.uk

Dr Amir Khan has shared five symptoms of type 2 diabetes to watch out for, including one that people might not ordinarily attribute to this common health condition

Diabetes is a very common health condition that causes a person's blood sugar to become too high, which can lead to an array of health issues. Diabetes UK estimates a staggering 5.8million people nationwide have the condition, the vast majority of whom will have type 2.

While 4.6million people are diagnosed with the disease, the charity believes as many as 1.3million people may be living with type 2 diabetes without realising. Now, Dr Amir Khan – a GP who regularly promotes healthy living both online and on TV – has shared five warning signs that may appear in those who have the disease.

"Type 2 diabetes is a complex condition where your insulin doesn't work as well as it should do to keep your blood sugars in check," he explained in a TikTok video. He added that those who develop the condition may do so for a number of reasons linked to genetics and lifestyle.

Here are the five possible symptoms of type 2 diabetes Dr Khan believes people should be aware of.

Feeling tired all the time

"This is the most common symptom I see," the celebrity GP began. "Because your body's insulin isn't working as it should to release energy from your sugars, your body will look for other energy sources such as your protein and fat stores.

"These are harder to break down and you don't have as much energy in them, so you end up feeling tired."

Frequent infections

"If you're not using those sugars, something else will," Dr Khan warned. He stressed pathogens and bugs could use the sugars in diabetes sufferers' bodies to thrive, making them more prone to coughs and sneezes or even more serious conditions.

"Whether it's urinary tract infections, thrush or skin infections, these bugs love sugars to feed off and they thrive." The doctor also explained that high blood sugar can make your immune system less effective.

Needing to pee frequently

"If your blood sugars are persistently high, your body will try to lower this by making you go to the loo to pee out those excess sugars," Dr Khan explained.

However, he warned, this also leads to a loss of fluid, which can cause diabetes sufferers to notice another symptom – dehydration.

Unintentional weight loss

Dr Khan stressed that many people do not associate weight loss with diabetes – in fact, the opposite may be true. "Lots of people associate type 2 diabetes with being overweight," he said.

"Although that is a risk factor, when your sugars are high and your insulin isn't working to break them down and bring [sugar levels] down, your body starts breaking down those fats and proteins, as I talked about earlier, and you can end up with unexplained weight loss."

Nerve pain

"We call this peripheral neuropathy," Dr Khan said. "It usually causes tingling, burning or painful sensations in your toes and feet."

Dr Khan explained high levels of sugar can damage "those tiny little nerves" in the toes, as well as the blood vessels in those areas. "That makes it harder for them to carry proper nerve impulses," he added.

The NHS lists the symptoms of diabetes as: feeling very thirsty; peeing more frequently than usual, particularly at night; feeling very tired; weight loss and loss of muscle bulk; itching around the penis or vagina, or frequent episodes of thrush; and blurred vision.

Noticing any of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have diabetes. If you're worried, it's important to see a doctor.

https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/health/amir-khan-shares-five-symptoms-31012586 

Diabetes UK experts share two-ingredient breakfast that avoids glucose spikes

From msn.com

After being diagnosed with diabetes, people will need to make major diet changes. But, swapping out your usual meals doesn't have to result in boring ones - with Diabetes UK experts sharing that you can still enjoy treats like pancakes for breakfast - just a little differently.

You'll need two mashed bananas and a lightly beaten egg to start. Afterwards, you can personally pick your favourite toppings with good choices including fruit and yoghurt.

The method to produce these protein-packed pancakes (20g per serving) is simple. Just mix the two ingredients together to form a batter, then add a ladleful of mixture to a frying pan that has been spritzed with cooking spray.

Cook each pancake for about two minutes on each side until golden and repeat the process using up the batter. Once ready, eat straight away with your chosen toppings.

                                           This easy recipe replaces milk and flour for alternatives that won't cause a blood sugar spike © Getty

People with diabetes can eat bananas as part of a balanced diet - but this should still be in moderation. It might be better to eat less ripe (green) bananas instead of classic yellow ones as less-ripe fruits lead to a slower, more manageable increase in blood sugar.

Eggs are low in carbohydrates and have a low glycaemic index, which means they don't significantly affect blood sugar levels. Again, they should still be eaten in moderation as overeating eggs has also been linked to an increase in type 2 diabetes. 

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/nutrition/diabetes-uk-experts-share-two-ingredient-breakfast-that-avoids-glucose-spikes/ar-AA1z2utB?ocid=msedgntp&pc=HCTS&cvid=12e2173aaa924d42aed1026fc3d277cf&ei=10

Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Reversed?

From medicine.yale.edu

More than 36 million Americans have type 2 diabetes, a condition primarily attributed to the body’s cells not responding to insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels. Due to the concomitant increase in the prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes is rising across the U.S. and around the world.

Research shows that most cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented through lifestyle interventions. But if you already have the condition, can it be reversed? 

The answer is a resounding yes, according to Gerald I. Shulman, MD, PhD, George R. Cowgill Professor of Medicine (Endocrinology) and Cellular & Molecular Physiology at Yale School of Medicine (YSM), Investigator Emeritus of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and co-director of the Yale Diabetes Research Centre.

Insulin resistance drives type 2 diabetes, Shulman explains. “If you reverse insulin resistance, you reverse type 2 diabetes,” he said. In a landmark study, Shulman and Kitt Petersen, MD, professor of medicine (endocrinology), showed that modest weight reduction—even as little as 10%—does just that. The study, Shulman said, has been replicated multiple times in large groups of individuals.

However, Shulman notes, many people who are initially successful at losing weight regain it. The novel anti-obesity GLP-1 medications can play an important role in helping people maintain this weight loss over the long term to treat diabetes and other diseases, he said.

Patricia Peter, MD, assistant professor of medicine (endocrinology) at YSM, echoes the importance of addressing insulin resistance. “The best way to reverse type 2 diabetes is to decrease your body's resistance to the actions of the insulin made by the pancreas,” she said. “For most people, this means trying to attain a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and minimizing sugars and excessive carbohydrates in your diet.”

Both Peter and Shulman stress that addressing the disease has significant implications for overall health.

“Over time, high levels of sugar in the blood can damage your vision, nerves, heart and kidney function,” Peter said. “Thus, the sooner you can get your blood sugars back into the normal range by addressing or reversing diabetes, the less damage that high blood sugar can do.”

Shulman pointed to studies that show a decrease in well-established complications of diabetes, such as blindness, end-stage kidney disease, and non-traumatic loss of limbs, when diabetes is treated.

Even better than treating type 2 diabetes is focusing on what drives it, Shulman added. “In reversing insulin resistance, we not only reverse type 2 diabetes but also prevent heart disease, fatty liver disease, obesity-associated cancers, and Alzheimer’s disease, among many other problems that insulin resistance leads to,” he said.

https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/can-type-2-diabetes-be-reversed/

Thriving with Diabetes in Your Older Years: Tips for Healthy Living

From bannerhealth.com

Managing diabetes as you age can be challenging. Knowing how your diabetes may change as you age can help you better handle those changes. Focusing on key habits and making small, manageable changes can make a big difference in your overall health and well-being. 

How diabetes management changes with age

As you grow older, changes in your body may affect how you manage diabetes. Your metabolism may slow down, you may lose muscle mass and you might not get as much exercise and physical activity as you used to.

“You’re also more likely to be dealing with other medical conditions at the same time,” said April Ehrlich, MD, a geriatric medicine specialist with Banner - University Medicine.

Medications may work differently as well. That’s because your kidney or liver function may change and these organs process medications. Medicine might stay in your system longer and have more of an effect.

Tell your health care provider about any symptoms or side effects and review your medications regularly.

“Your provider will consider your medical conditions, physical abilities, memory and social situation. Over time, they may focus more on preventing low blood sugars, minimizing medication and side effects and maximizing what matters most to you,” Dr. Ehrlich said.

Blood sugar control for seniors

Talk to your provider about your management plan and blood sugar goal. “Measuring and managing blood sugar levels may change depending on how you and your provider decide to best manage your diabetes. Your provider may ask you to check your sugars at a specific interval or this may not be necessary. Your goal blood sugar level may increase, especially if you have multiple medical conditions,” Dr. Ehrlich said.

You can use tools like blood sugar logs or apps to track trends. Talk to your provider about adjusting your medication if you notice any changes in your blood sugar levels based on meals, activity, medication or any other reason.

Be aware of the symptoms you might notice if your blood sugar gets too high or too low:

• High blood sugar (hyperglycaemia): Blurred vision, fatigue and frequent urination. Talk to your provider if your blood sugar is high.
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia): Shakiness, confusion and sweating. “Have juice, hard candy or glucose tablets with you to take to avoid dangerously low levels and call your provider immediately,” Dr. Ehrlich said.

Eating well with diabetes as you age

Good nutrition is key to blood sugar control and your overall health and small changes in what you eat can make a big difference. “Your provider may recommend a tailored nutrition plan based on your goals,” Dr. Ehrlich said. 

Focus on these healthy eating tips for older adults with diabetes:

• Eat high-fibre options like whole grains, fruits and vegetables. They help your body absorb sugar more slowly so your blood sugar levels don’t spike.
• Choose low-sodium foods, since reducing salt intake may help manage blood pressure. Flavour foods with herbs and spices instead.
• Be sure to get enough protein. “Older adults with diabetes are at higher risk for losing muscle mass, so maintaining adequate protein intake is important,” Dr. Ehrlich said.
• Plan smart meals. Balance your plate with half vegetables, a quarter lean protein and a quarter whole grains. Eat smaller, more frequent meals to prevent blood sugar swings.

Staying active and staying safe

Physical activity is an important part of managing your diabetes. It helps control your blood sugar and lower your risk of complications. “Staying active can help you maintain your muscle mass, support your bone health, preserve your physical independence and help prevent falls. Older adults should exercise regularly and include both cardio and weight-bearing exercise,” Dr. Ehrlich said.

Good exercises for seniors with diabetes are:

• Walking, which is a simple way to boost your circulation and manage blood sugar.
• Swimming or water aerobics, which can give you a full-body workout while being gentle on your joints.
• Resistance exercises, which can build strength. Be sure to use light weights or resistance bands.
• Chair yoga, which can help you stay strong and flexible even if you can’t get up and down from the floor.

To stay safe, keep these tips in mind:

• Talk to your health care provider before you start any new activities.
• Warm up before and cool down after exercise to help prevent injuries.
• Monitor blood sugar levels before and after activity, especially if you take insulin.

Preventing complications

These steps can help reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications, such as heart disease, neuropathy or vision problems:

• See your health care provider regularly to check your overall health and make sure you’re controlling your blood sugar well.
• Don’t skip meals, especially if you take insulin.
• Have your eyes examined routinely to look for signs of retinopathy, a vision problem that can stem from diabetes.
• Check your feet for wounds when you put on your shoes and have your provider or a podiatrist treat any small cuts or sores before they get worse.
• Manage other chronic health conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
• Moisturize your skin every day to keep it from getting dry and cracking.
• Stay hydrated, especially in warm weather. As you get older it may be harder for you to recognize when you are thirsty.

“Avoiding complications is very important in older adults. Let your provider know immediately if you are having low blood sugars, side effects from your medications, trouble remembering to take your medications, difficulty affording your medications or unintended weight loss,” Dr. Ehrich said.

Managing emotional health

“Managing diabetes can be a very difficult and emotional process. If you are struggling, let your provider know. There may be ways to simplify your management plan,” Dr. Ehrlich said. It’s just as important to take care of your emotional well-being as it is to manage physical symptoms. 

These tips can help:

• Stay active.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Participate in activities you enjoy.
• Reduce stress with meditation, mindfulness, deep breathing or journaling. Stress can raise your blood sugar levels. 
• Connect with friends or join an online or in-person diabetes support group to share your experiences and learn from others.
• Talk openly with your loved ones about your care needs.
• Focus on small, achievable goals and celebrate wins like maintaining stable blood sugar for a week or trying a new recipe.

The bottom line on managing diabetes in older adults

Managing diabetes as you age may bring new challenges, but you can thrive with planning and support. Whether it’s monitoring blood sugar, eating well, staying active or caring for your mental health, small, consistent steps can bring big improvements.

For care designed just for you, speak with your health care provider or connect with an expert at Banner Health. Taking charge of your diabetes today can help keep you healthier in the future.

https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/better-me/healthy-living-with-diabetes-as-you-get-older 

Diabetes during pregnancy can cause serious problems later – mothers need proper screening after birth

From theconversation.com

A growing number of women experience high blood sugar levels during pregnancy which typically resolve after birth.

Known as gestational diabetes, this is the most common metabolic disorder in pregnancy and affects one in seven women worldwide and one in sixteen in New Zealand.

Gestational diabetes is associated with complications during pregnancy. This includes high blood pressure, giving birth to a big baby (which increases the risk of vaginal birth complications) and increased rates of Caesarean section. It can also significantly affect the mother’s mental health and wellbeing.

Worryingly, more women are being diagnosed with gestational diabetes than ever before. Our new review of later health impacts for these women suggests they could be receiving better care after birth and in the long term.

Recommended care

Women who experienced gestational diabetes are ten times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes and twice as likely to experience cardiovascular disorders such as heart disease in the years following birth, compared to women who don’t develop gestational diabetes.

These mothers may also suffer from mental health problems, including depression, particularly in high-risk groups such as women of non-European ethnicity and those with a previous history of gestational diabetes.

For these reasons, care after birth for these women is important. This should include regular screening for blood sugar levels, cardiovascular problems and mental wellbeing after birth. It is also important women receive advice on diet and exercise.

Support for continued breastfeeding is also important as women who get gestational diabetes may experience a delay in milk flow and generally have lower breastfeeding rates compared to others. Breastfeeding may even reduce the risk of progression to type 2 diabetes.

                              Gestational diabetes can delay the flow of milk and make breastfeeding more difficult. Shutterstock/Pixel Shot

Screening should continue for more than the first year after giving birth. Best practice would see women who had gestational diabetes being provided with long-term follow-up care, given their high risk for type 2 diabetes and heart problems.

Current evidence, however, suggests this isn’t necessarily happening. In a 2018 British study across several general practice centres, women who had gestational diabetes reported their levels of care during pregnancy dropped sharply after birth – to the point where they felt abandoned by the health system.

In a 2024 New Zealand study, mothers who had had gestational diabetes were interviewed five years after birth and expressed the need for more support from the health system.

While this study involved mothers’ perceptions about the optimal health and wellbeing for their children who were exposed to gestational diabetes, the findings also suggest room for improvement in care for the women themselves.

Gaps in clinical guidelines

Following on from this, our research team reviewed existing clinical practice guidelines to see if there were any gaps. These guidelines play an important role in contributing to quality care because they summarise research findings to provide recommendations for healthcare professionals to optimise health and reduce harm.

We looked at recommendations from 26 clinical practice guidelines published in the past decade in 22 countries, including New Zealand. The findings showed we could be doing better for women who have experienced gestational diabetes.

A key example relates to screening for diabetes after birth. It is common practice to check the blood sugar levels of women within three months of giving birth to see if they have gone back to normal.

This testing ensures any abnormalities (like high blood glucose, which may suggest diabetes) are detected so that appropriate management begins early on. Sadly, a nationwide study reported only about half of women receive this screening within six months after birth in New Zealand.

Sending reminders and combining these tests with other postnatal baby health checks and care procedures might encourage more women to check their blood sugar levels. However, very few guidelines we assessed recommend ways to raise the number of women who attend this screening.

Even fewer guidelines talk about screening for poor mental health, despite an increased chance these women could experience depression after birth.

Research we carried out in 2022, using randomised trial data of women with a previous history of gestational diabetes, revealed that around one in five self-reported symptoms of anxiety, depression or poor mental functioning at six months after birth.

Postnatal screening for mental health problems for all women who had gestational diabetes should be recommended to help improve quality of care.

Encouraging women who have had gestational diabetes to attend screening tests, continue breastfeeding and adopt healthy dietary choices and physical exercise requires health professionals to provide adequate counselling on the long-term risks of this condition. This will help women stick with their care plan after birth.

https://theconversation.com/diabetes-during-pregnancy-can-cause-serious-problems-later-mothers-need-proper-screening-after-birth-245658 

UVA launches trial to test AI-powered device for diabetes management

From news-medical.net

For people living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), keeping blood sugar levels in check is a constant challenge. A new clinical trial at UVA is aiming to simplify diabetes management by testing an innovative AI-powered device designed to improve automated insulin delivery.

The trial is co-led by several School of Data Science faculty, including Assistant Professor of Data Science Heman Shakeri; Boris Kovatchev, founding director of the UVA Center for Diabetes Technology, a professor at the School of Medicine and professor of data science (by courtesy); and Anas El Fathi, research assistant professor at the Center for Diabetes Technology and assistant professor of data science (by courtesy).

Thanks to recent FDA approval, researchers are set to assess this breakthrough technology. The trial, kicking off in March, will evaluate a new reinforcement-learning feature called the "Bolus Priming System with Reinforcement Learning" (BPS_RL). Assisting with the fine-tuning of the BPS_RL was postdoctoral researcher Ali Tavasoli, who also generated the computer simulation that helped lead to the FDA approval.

The fully automated BPS_RL technology integrates with the existing Automated Insulin Delivery Adaptive NETwork (AIDANET) - a system comprising a phone app, Dexcom glucose monitor, and Tandem insulin pump - to enable insulin delivery without requiring user input.

The goal? To see if this new feature can help people maintain better blood sugar control, particularly during meals and overnight, while maintaining health safety and improving ease of use.

Addressing the challenges of T1D

For many with T1D, keeping blood sugar levels stable is an ongoing struggle. Insulin needs can change due to meals, activity levels, stress, and other factors, making it difficult to dose accurately. AID systems require user input, and they can be costly and difficult to access. UVA's new study hopes to tackle these issues by developing a smarter, more adaptive system that is not only effective but also practical and affordable.

How it works

Over the course of three weeks, 16 adult participants with experience using an AID system will test the enhanced technology.

Week 1: Participants use the standard AIDANET system at home to establish a baseline. 

Week 2: Participants stay at a supervised testing location, using both the standard and updated systems for 18-hour sessions each.

Week 3: Participants return home and use the enhanced system under remote monitoring.

The study will compare how well blood sugar levels are maintained with and without the AI-powered upgrade. Half of the participants will start with the current system before switching to the new one, and the other half will do the reverse.

A new era of diabetes care

This trial isn't just about advancing technology - it's a bold step toward transforming diabetes care and uplifting lives. We are committed to creating a fully automated, intelligent insulin delivery system that redefines diabetes management, making treatment simpler, more reliable, and entirely effortless for patients."

Heman Shakeri, Assistant Professor of Data Science, University of Virginia School of Data Science

Beyond improving blood sugar control, researchers hope that advancements like BPS_RL will help reduce the mental and financial burden of diabetes management. By making insulin delivery systems more adaptive, precise, and cost-effective, UVA is paving the way for a future where diabetes care is more efficient and equitable for all.

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250211/UVA-launches-trial-to-test-AI-powered-device-for-diabetes-management.aspx

What is prediabetes and what can you do to stop it?

From msn.com/en-gb

More than one in five adults in the UK are estimated to be living with diabetes or prediabetes, according to new analysis by Diabetes UK.

The charity has warned of a “hidden health crisis” and called on the government to take urgent action.

In an open letter to the Prime Minister and Health Secretary, the charity urged the identification of millions of undiagnosed cases and increased investment in preventative programmes.

The new figures reveal a record high of 4.6 million people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK, an increase from 4.4 million reported just a year ago. This includes approximately 8% with type 1 diabetes, where the body doesn’t produce insulin, and 90% with type 2 diabetes, where the body doesn’t use insulin effectively. A further 2% live with rarer forms of the condition.

Diabetes UK estimates an additional 1.3 million people are living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Coupled with the estimated 6.3 million people with prediabetes, a condition marked by higher than normal blood sugar levels that can develop into type 2 diabetes, the total number of people affected by diabetes or prediabetes surpasses 12 million – equivalent to more than one-fifth of the UK’s adult population.

While prediabetes carries an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, Diabetes UK emphasizes that it can be reversed through lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthy diet and incorporating regular exercise. The charity is advocating for greater investment in programmes that promote these preventative measures.

Commenting on these statistics, Colette Marshall, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: “These latest figures highlight the hidden health crisis we’re facing in the UK, and underline why the Government must act now.

“With more people developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes at a younger age, it’s also critical that much more is done to find the missing millions who either have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes but are completely unaware of it.”

So, what is prediabetes exactly, and what should we know about it?

What is prediabetes?

“Non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, more commonly known as prediabetes, means that a person’s blood sugars are higher than usual, but not high enough for them to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes,” says Douglas Twenefour, head of clinical at Diabetes UK. “Having higher than normal blood sugars means someone is at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.”

What are some common misconceptions about it?

“Prediabetes has sometimes been related to a feeling of inevitability that a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes cannot be prevented. But we know that many people may be able to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes with the right support,” clarifies Twenefour.

                                                                                               (Alamy/PA)
Do you display any symptoms with prediabetes?

“Prediabetes doesn’t have any symptoms, and if you start to have any of the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes which can include going to the toilet more often, especially at night, and feeling tired, it means you have probably already developed it,” says Twenefour. “So, it’s important to know the risk factors and what support is available that could help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.”

Who is more at risk?

“The reasons why someone develops type 2 diabetes are multiple and complex, they include genetic, environmental and biological factors,” says Twenefour. “Some of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes include living with obesity, being over the age of 40, or 25 for those from African-Caribbean, Black African or South Asian communities, living with a high waist measurement, or having an immediate family member with diabetes.

“Other factors in your environment, like poverty or deprivation and inequality, may also increase your risk.”

How is it diagnosed?

“People are commonly identified by their GP, or in England following an NHS Health Check, or online such as through Diabetes UK’s free online Know Your Risk tool,” says Twenefour. “Higher than normal blood sugars can be detected via blood tests and these tests help healthcare teams to understand a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes.”

Dr Matt McCarter, NHS GP and clinical lead at Habitual, says a HbA1c test or fasting blood sugar test are usually used.

“These should be carried out during regular checks for those who are high risk, such as those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and/or people who have previous experienced a heart attack or stroke,” says McCarter.

What can people do to prevent prediabetes from developing into type 2 diabetes?

Monitor blood sugar levels

“Regular check-ups can help track progress and make necessary adjustments,” says McCarter.

Quit smoking

“Smoking increases insulin resistance,” notes McCarter.

Increase physical activity

“Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week,” advises McCarter.

Adopt a healthy diet

“Focus on whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and reduce sugary foods,” recommends McCarter.

Lose weight

“Even a modest weight loss (5-10% of body weight) can significantly reduce risk,” says McCarter.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/other/what-is-prediabetes-and-what-can-you-do-to-stop-it/ar-AA1yw7ne?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=HCTS&cvid=3457fe99a5334bfba32b1175e64de9e6&ei=16