The Diabetes Blueprint: A Comprehensive Guide to Managing and Reversing the Disease E-Book
Stephen Elmer
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The Diabetes Blueprint is a comprehensive guide that provides readers with the tools and knowledge they need to effectively manage and even reverse their diabetes. This book covers the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options for diabetes, as well as tips and strategies for managing the disease.
The book starts by discussing the causes and risk factors of diabetes, including genetics, lifestyle, and environment. It then covers the symptoms of diabetes, such as frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. The book also discusses the different types of diabetes, including type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
The second part of the book is focused on treatment options, including medications, diet, and exercise. The author provides a detailed overview of the different medications used to manage diabetes and how they work. The book also covers the importance of a healthy diet and exercise in managing diabetes and how to create a meal plan that is tailored to your needs.
The third part of the book focuses on reversing diabetes. The author provides a detailed overview of the strategies and techniques that can be used to reverse diabetes, such as weight loss, stress management, and sleep. The author also provides tips and strategies for managing the disease, including how to monitor blood sugar levels, how to prevent complications, and how to manage stress.
The Diabetes Blueprint is an essential guide for anyone who wants to take control of their diabetes and live a healthier life. With clear, concise, and easy-to-understand information, this book will help you understand the disease, manage your symptoms, and reverse your diabetes.
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Stephen Elmer
Table of contents
How to Use This Book
Introduction: The Rapid Increase in Diabetes Prevalence
The Global Epidemic of Diabetes
Combating the Rise of Type 2 Diabetes
Mastering Diabetes
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes: Understanding the Autoimmune System Malfunction
Type 2 Diabetes: Understanding the Insulin Production Shutdown
Understanding the Early Warning Signs and Risk Factors
Understanding the Surprising Pregnancy Complication
Preventing Complications of Diabetes
Understanding the Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy
Assessing Your Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy
Identifying Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
Managing Diabetic Retinopathy
Preventing Diabetic Retinopathy
Treating Diabetic Retinopathy
Gum Disease and its Relationship to Diabetes
Identifying Factors that Increase Your Risk for Gum Disease
Recognizing Early Warning Signs of Gum Disease
Managing Gum Disease in Diabetes
The Connection Between Heart Disease and Diabetes: Understanding the Risk Factors and Ways to Protect Your Health
Early Warning Signs And Symptoms Of Cardiovascular Disease
Lifestyle Changes And Management Options For Reducing The Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease
High Blood Pressure
Kidney Disease
Liver Disease
Urinary Incontinence
Erectile Dysfunction
Foot Complications
Hypoglycemia
Diabetic Neuropathy
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Stroke
Managing Diabetes in High-Risk Situations
Dining Out with Diabetes
Combating Environmental Factors
Combating Sedentary Lifestyle
Staying Active
Getting Quality Sleep
Managing Weight
Exercise and Diabetes
Smoking
Stress
Combating Stress
Managing Cravings
Roaming and Rambling
Taking Control of Diabetes
Unmodifiable Risk Factors in Diabetes
Modifiable Risk Factors in Diabetes
Keeping Tabs on Blood Sugar
Consequences of High Blood Sugar
Treatment Options for Diabetes
Navigating the Healthcare System
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetic Eye Health
Adhering to Medication Regimens
Oral Medications for Diabetes
Insulin Augmenting Agents for Diabetes Treatment
Medication Adherence and its Impact on Diabetes Management
Injectable Medications for Diabetes
Other Injectable Medications for Diabetes
Insulin Administration Techniques
Weight Management for Diabetes
Body Mass Index and Diabetes
Measuring Your Waist
Balanced Nutrition for Diabetes Management
Macronutrient Balance for Diabetes
Fiber and Diabetes
Protein and Diabetes
Fats and Diabetes
Eating for Diabetes
Diabetes and Diet
Whole Grains and Diabetes
Legumes and Diabetes
Dietary management as a treatment for Diabetes
Low-Fat Dairy and Diabetes
Lifestyle Changes for diabetes
Nuts and Nut Butters for Diabetes
Dietary supplements and diabetes
Smoothies and Diabetes
Vinegar and Diabetes
Regular Physical Activity for Diabetes
The Power of Small Steps
Personalizing Your Workout
Achieving Fitness Goals by Incorporating Fun into Your Workouts
The Diabetes Blueprint:
A Comprehensive Guide to Managing and Reversing the Disease
Understanding the Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Treatment Options for a Healthier Life
Stephen Elmer
Copyright ©2023 by Stephen Elmer
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.
The information in this book is intended to be educational and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
The author and publisher of this book do not assume any responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from the information contained in this book. The author and publisher make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. The author and publisher shall not be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.
This book is not intended for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of any disease or medical condition. The information in this book should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation, or the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
This book is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
The author and publisher of this book do not endorse any specific tests, products, procedures, or opinions that may be mentioned in this book. The author and publisher are not responsible for any errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from the use of the information contained in this book.
Table of Contents
How to Use This Book 7
Introduction: The Rapid Increase in Diabetes Prevalence 8
The Global Epidemic of Diabetes 8
Combating the Rise of Type 2 Diabetes 10
Mastering Diabetes 11
Types of Diabetes 11
Type 1 Diabetes: Understanding the Autoimmune System Malfunction 12
Type 2 Diabetes: Understanding the Insulin Production Shutdown 13
Understanding the Early Warning Signs and Risk Factors 15
Understanding the Surprising Pregnancy Complication 15
Preventing Complications of Diabetes 17
Diabetic Retinopathy: Eye Complications of Diabetes 17
Understanding the Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy 19
Assessing Your Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy 19
Identifying Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy 20
Managing Diabetic Retinopathy 20
Preventing Diabetic Retinopathy 21
Treating Diabetic Retinopathy 23
Gum Disease and its Relationship to Diabetes 23
Identifying Factors that Increase Your Risk for Gum Disease 24
Recognizing Early Warning Signs of Gum Disease 25
Managing Gum Disease in Diabetes 25
The Connection Between Heart Disease and Diabetes: Understanding the Risk Factors and Ways to Protect Your Health 27
Early Warning Signs And Symptoms Of Cardiovascular Disease 29
Lifestyle Changes And Management Options For Reducing The Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease 29
High Blood Pressure 31
Kidney Disease 36
Liver Disease 42
Urinary Incontinence 47
Erectile Dysfunction 52
Foot Complications 58
Hypoglycemia 66
Diabetic Neuropathy 68
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome 76
Stroke 79
Managing Diabetes in High-Risk Situations 82
Dining Out with Diabetes 87
Combating Environmental Factors 90
Combating Sedentary Lifestyle 92
Staying Active 93
Getting Quality Sleep 97
Managing Weight 101
Exercise and Diabetes 105
Smoking 109
Stress 111
Combating Stress 112
Managing Cravings 115
Roaming and Rambling 118
Taking Control of Diabetes 121
Understanding Your Diabetes Risk 121
Unmodifiable Risk Factors in Diabetes 121
Modifiable Risk Factors in Diabetes 122
Keeping Tabs on Blood Sugar 125
Consequences of High Blood Sugar 125
Treatment Options for Diabetes 127
Navigating the Healthcare System 129
Diabetic Foot Care 130
Diabetic Eye Health 131
Adhering to Medication Regimens 133
Oral Medications for Diabetes 133
Insulin Augmenting Agents for Diabetes Treatment 134
Medication Adherence and its Impact on Diabetes Management 136
Injectable Medications for Diabetes 136
Other Injectable Medications for Diabetes 138
Insulin Administration Techniques 138
Weight Management for Diabetes 141
Body Mass Index and Diabetes 141
Measuring Your Waist 142
Balanced Nutrition for Diabetes Management 145
Macronutrient Balance for Diabetes 145
Fiber and Diabetes 147
Protein and Diabetes 147
Fats and Diabetes 148
Eating for Diabetes 149
Diabetes and Diet 150
Whole Grains and Diabetes 150
Legumes and Diabetes 151
Dietary management as a treatment for Diabetes 152
Low-Fat Dairy and Diabetes 152
Lifestyle Changes for diabetes 153
Nuts and Nut Butters for Diabetes 153
Dietary supplements and diabetes 153
Smoothies and Diabetes 154
Vinegar and Diabetes 154
Regular Physical Activity for Diabetes 156
The Power of Small Steps 156
Personalizing Your Workout 157
Achieving Fitness Goals by Incorporating Fun into Your Workouts 159
How to Use This Book
Diabetes is a treatable and controllable disease, but it requires effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle to manage it effectively and minimize its impact on long-term health and quality of life. This book provides information and advice on nutrition, exercise, weight loss, sleep, stress reduction, and other factors that can influence blood sugar levels, as well as strategies for slowing and possibly reversing diabetes-related damage. It is divided into four sections: an overview of diabetes, an assessment of the risk of complications, an exploration of lifestyle factors that can affect diabetes management, and guidelines for optimal diabetes control. By following these recommendations, people with diabetes can take steps to stay ahead of the disease and live a long, healthy life.
Introduction: The Rapid Increase in Diabetes Prevalence
Diabetes is a widespread and growing problem, with more than 20 million American adults and children currently living with the disease. This number is expected to more than double by 2050. Certain ethnic groups, including non-Hispanic blacks and Mexican Americans, are more prone to diabetes, and a growing number of children and adolescents are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Approximately 54 million Americans are prediabetic, with higher-than-normal blood sugar levels that predict a strong likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. The economic impact of diabetes is significant, with an estimated $132 billion of total medical expenditures in the US being attributed to the disease, including $92 billion for direct medical care. Approximately one-third of all Medicare expenses go towards treating diabetes and its complications. Globally, an estimated 246 million adults have diabetes, a number that is expected to rise to 380 million by 2025.
The prevalence of diabetes is growing at a faster rate than previously predicted. In 2003, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention projected that the number of Americans with diabetes would reach 39 million by 2050, but just three years later, that number was revised upwards by over 9 million. The World Health Organization predicted in 2006 that the global prevalence of diabetes would increase by 60% between 1995 and 2030, but a study in Ontario found that the disease's prevalence had already grown by 60% in that province between 1995 and 2005. This suggests that the WHO's prediction may be too conservative and that the global impact of diabetes may be even greater than anticipated.
The prevalence of diabetes in the United States has been increasing at a faster rate than anticipated. In 1980, there were 6 million cases of diabetes in the country, but the prevalence was already on the rise. A prediction was made that by 2010 there would be 21 million cases, but this number is expected to be reached with a few years to spare. The prediction made in 1980 has proven to be an underestimation.
The Global Epidemic of Diabetes
Diabetes is a serious and rapidly growing health problem worldwide. Its prevalence has increased significantly in the past few decades and is expected to continue increasing in the future. The main cause of this increase is the increasing longevity of the population, as type 2 diabetes, which accounts for the majority of cases, is more common in older people. There are also other factors contributing to the rise in diabetes, such as obesity and lack of physical activity. These trends are causing significant costs to healthcare systems and have led public health officials to consider diabetes a major health catastrophe.
The prevalence of diabetes has significantly increased in the United States and around the world in recent years. Contributing factors include the aging population, the growth of the Hispanic population, and improved medical understanding and awareness of the disease. The earlier a person with diabetes receives a proper diagnosis, the sooner they can begin treatment and manage their disease.
The Role of Lifestyle Factors in the Development of the Disease
Diabetes is becoming more common globally, with about 246 million adults having the disease. This number is expected to increase to 380 million by 2025. In the US, about 20 million adults and children have diabetes, which is about 7% of the population. Prevalence of diabetes in the US increased by nearly 50% between 1990 and 2000 and is expected to more than double by 2050. Some ethnic groups, like non-Hispanic blacks and Mexican Americans, are more prone to the disease than others. Children and adolescents are also being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes more frequently due to the increasing rate of obesity. About 54 million Americans are prediabetic, meaning they have higher-than-normal blood sugar levels and are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The cost of diabetes in the US is high, with approximately $132 billion of total medical expenditures being related to the disease, including $92 billion for direct medical care. One-third of all Medicare expenses go towards treating diabetes and its complications. The main causes of the increase in diabetes are an aging population, growth in the Hispanic population, improved ability to diagnose the disease, and lifestyle factors such as obesity and lack of physical activity.
Obesity and lack of physical activity have been identified as major risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes. These lifestyle factors, which are often related to modern living, can lead to obesity, which is often referred to as "diabesity" due to its strong connection to diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide, and it is becoming more common in older people, people of Hispanic origin, and those who are obese or inactive. Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes is important to help manage the disease and reduce the risk of complications.
This passage explains that the reason behind the diabetes epidemic is due to a combination of factors including a lack of physical activity and obesity. Being physically inactive and overweight are both risk factors for type 2 diabetes, and when combined they can increase the risk even further. The passage also mentions that body fat is not just an inactive mass, but actually has metabolic activity that can contribute to the risk of diabetes.
Excess fat in the body can release inflammation-causing substances into the bloodstream that can disrupt the hormone insulin, which plays a significant role in the development of diabetes. Having excess fat around the waist can release harmful chemicals into the body's tissues and inhibit the body's production and use of insulin, leading to a cascade of physiological changes that can result in type 2 diabetes and potentially cardiovascular disease.
Combating the Rise of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a disease that is often caused by modern lifestyle factors, such as being sedentary and overweight. While it is unlikely that people will give up the conveniences of modern life, efforts are being made to combat the rise in diabetes. These efforts include medical advances, public health initiatives, and research into the causes and potential prevention of the disease. While some may argue that not enough is being done, the awareness and understanding of diabetes is currently at an all-time high.
Type 2 diabetes can be caused by modern lifestyle habits and behaviors, but advances in medicine and technology are helping to improve diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Public health officials and nonprofit organizations are working towards finding a cure and increasing awareness of diabetes. Despite some criticism that more could be done, there is currently a high level of awareness about the disease.
Efforts to combat diabetes are yielding results, including the development of new medications and improved surgical treatments, as well as more effective methods for monitoring blood sugar and delivering insulin. These advances in self-care have made it more personalized and precise.
Scientists are actively researching why some people are more prone to developing diabetes than others, including the possibility of certain "genes" that increase risk. The ultimate goal is to find ways to prevent people who are at higher risk from developing diabetes.
Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and social and cultural issues are contributing to the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes. While individual responsibility is important in preventing the disease, society also has a role to play in creating conditions that support healthy behaviors. The healthcare system needs to be adapted to better address chronic conditions like diabetes, which require ongoing care and management. Government officials are working to institute new programs and policies to address these issues.
The goal of converting the findings of clinical studies into programs that can be applied in people's daily lives is being pursued by a person who is responsible for a certain division of an organization. These programs are meant to address factors that contribute to a disease such as unhealthy diets and lack of physical activity, which can be influenced by factors within a person's home and community. The education and management of the disease is thus often concentrated on these specific environments.
Many health decisions are influenced by social factors, and education can help address these issues. It's highlighted that people spend a significant amount of time in places other than medical settings, like homes, workplaces, schools, and places of worship. Thus, it's important to focus on these areas to address and combat a disease effectively.
Mastering Diabetes
While the exact cause of a disease is not known and there is no cure, progress is being made in understanding and managing it. Even if it might not always be headline-worthy, experts believe that it will continue to make progress in understanding and managing it. However, there are still many mysteries surrounding the disease that need to be addressed.
While we continue to work towards a cure for diabetes, we can use the information and resources available to us to effectively manage the disease. The goal of this book is to provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to not just manage diabetes, but to master it. You will learn how even small lifestyle changes can greatly improve your blood sugar control and reduce the risk of complications.
This book is intended to connect individuals living with a disease to a larger community and to remind them that they are not alone in their journey. A team approach is advocated for managing the disease, with the goal of helping individuals feel supported and understood. The importance of reminding people that they do not have to navigate their care alone is also emphasized.
Types of Diabetes
"But what exactly is diabetes? In short, diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to properly use the glucose it gets from food. Glucose is a type of sugar that provides energy for cells to perform their functions. When this energy source is unable to reach cells due to diabetes, the cells do not function properly."
So what happens to the excess glucose that is unable to enter cells in the body? It remains in the bloodstream, leading to a condition called hyperglycemia. Having high levels of glucose in the blood can disrupt the delicate biochemical balance necessary for the body to function properly, leading to a range of health problems including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart and kidney disease, and vision issues.
This raises the question: Why is the body unable to use glucose effectively? The answer lies in insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ located behind the stomach that is about the size of a hand. Insulin has a specific function in the body: it helps cells use glucose by transporting the sugar into the cells. Cells do not allow just any substance to enter; they require a specific access code, which insulin provides. Once it unlocks the cell, glucose can enter.
This is how the process is supposed to work, but there are two ways in which this partnership can go wrong: either the pancreas stops producing insulin or the cells become resistant to insulin, preventing glucose from entering the cells. This condition is known as insulin resistance. In either case, there is a disruption in the energy supply to cells, causing the cells to become deprived of energy and the blood to become overloaded with unused glucose. This combination of malnourished cells and high levels of glucose in the blood is why the diabetic condition is sometimes described as being in a state of starvation despite having an abundance of nutrients.
The negative effects of unhealthy blood flow throughout the body can lead to a range of complications, making diabetes a serious and complex disease. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) describes diabetes as a condition characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, which can lead to long-term damage and dysfunction of various organs, including the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels.
We will discuss the various impacts of diabetes in more detail in the next chapter, but the main point is clear: it is important to manage this disease as effectively as possible. To help you do this, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the different types of diabetes. In the following sections, we will explore these forms in greater depth.
Type 1 Diabetes: Understanding the Autoimmune System Malfunction
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin. This occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin, known as beta cells. The symptoms of type 1 diabetes tend to appear suddenly and may include lethargy or drowsiness, weight loss, excessive hunger and thirst, vision changes, difficulty breathing, and increased urination.
It was previously believed that type 1 diabetes was solely inherited, and it is more common among people of white ethnicity. However, current research suggests that genetics are not the only factor in the development of type 1 diabetes. This is supported by the fact that if one identical twin develops type 1 diabetes, the probability that the other twin will also develop the disease is less than 50%. This suggests that other factors, such as environmental influences, may also play a role in the development of type 1 diabetes.
It is currently believed that an individual's risk of developing type 1 diabetes is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, including diet and exposure to infections. Researchers are particularly interested in the potential role of environmental factors in the development of type 1 diabetes. In the past two decades, the number of people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes has steadily increased at a rate that cannot be solely attributed to genetics.
Approximately half of those with type 1 diabetes are diagnosed in childhood or early adolescence, which is why it used to be referred to as juvenile diabetes. However, this name is no longer commonly used because it has been found that about 10% of adults diagnosed with diabetes actually have type 1. These individuals may initially be misdiagnosed with type 2 because doctors generally expect to see this form of diabetes in adults.
Type 2 Diabetes: Understanding the Insulin Production Shutdown
Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1, accounting for 90-95% of all cases. Unlike type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not stop producing insulin in type 2 diabetes, but the hormone does not function properly for unknown reasons. This results in cells not receiving the glucose they need to function properly, a condition known as insulin resistance. The end result is similar in type 2 diabetes as it is in type 1: cells are not getting the energy they need while there is excess glucose in the blood.
While type 1 diabetes is characterized by the complete cessation of insulin production (necessitating the use of insulin injections), in type 2 diabetes the pancreas increases insulin production in an attempt to move glucose from the bloodstream into cells. However, this increased insulin production eventually slows down, potentially due to the pancreas being overworked, leading to further difficulties in regulating blood glucose levels.
Type 2 diabetes can produce many of the same symptoms as type 1, including fatigue, frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, and slow wound healing. However, these symptoms tend to appear gradually and may go unnoticed for years. This means that type 2 diabetes can cause damage to the body for an extended period of time before it is diagnosed. For example, a study found that diabetic retinopathy, a common complication that affects the blood vessels in the eyes, often begins at least seven years before a clinical diagnosis of diabetes. This illustrates how high blood glucose levels can cause problems even before the symptoms of diabetes become apparent.
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by the body's inability to use insulin properly, resulting in high blood sugar levels. It is becoming more common in children and is associated with obesity and inactivity. The increasing rate of obesity among children is believed to be a contributing factor to the rising incidence of type 2 diabetes in this population. Individuals with type 2 diabetes are at risk of developing long-term health complications.
Obesity can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by causing insulin resistance. It is thought that this occurs through a variety of complex mechanisms that are not fully understood. Essentially, it is believed that fat cells release chemicals into the blood that promote fat production as a means of self-preservation. As insulin's function is to convert glucose into energy rather than fat, fat cells and insulin can be seen as natural adversaries.
While it is true that many people with type 2 diabetes are overweight and inactive, this is not the case for everyone. Approximately 80% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight, but other factors must also be present in the remaining individuals. In fact, genetics may have a greater influence on the development of type 2 diabetes than on type 1. Research suggests that the same genes that increase the risk of diabetes may also increase the risk of obesity.
Genetics may also explain why type 2 diabetes is more common in certain ethnic groups, such as African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans. However, lifestyle factors may also contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes in individuals with a genetic predisposition to the disease. For instance, traditional eating habits and behaviors that are passed down through generations may not always be conducive to maintaining a healthy weight or reducing the risk of diabetes.
According to diabetes educators, cultural dietary preferences may play a role in the development of diabetes. People may be more likely to consume high-carb, high-fat, and high-calorie foods that can contribute to the development of diabetes. However, it is important to manage diabetes through a healthy diet and regular physical activity. It's also important to understand the cultural context of food and how to make healthier choices that align with personal preference and cultural heritage.
It is important to understand that the increase in type 2 diabetes in the United States and globally is due to a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors, rather than just one or the other. This is why managing diabetes often requires making changes to improve weight loss, increase physical activity, improve diet, and adopt a healthier lifestyle overall.
Understanding the Early Warning Signs and Risk Factors
Since the onset of type 2 diabetes is often gradual and can cause harm over time, doctors are diagnosing a condition called prediabetes earlier in an effort to address the disease earlier. People with prediabetes have blood glucose levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. The National Institutes of Health estimates that approximately 54 million American adults have prediabetes.
If not treated, prediabetes is likely to progress to type 2 diabetes within 10 years. However, it is possible to reverse prediabetes and prevent the development of type 2. Neglecting prediabetes, however, can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues, similar to the risks associated with type 2 diabetes. This is because high blood glucose levels, whether or not they meet the criteria for diabetes, can cause harm throughout the body wherever blood flows.
Understanding the Surprising Pregnancy Complication
There is a condition called gestational diabetes that occurs in 3-8% of pregnant women. It is a temporary form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and typically goes away after childbirth.
During pregnancy, it is normal for a woman to experience temporary insulin resistance. Research has shown that women typically have a 50% reduction in their ability to process glucose during pregnancy. The pancreas compensates by increasing insulin production by 200% or more.
Gestational diabetes is diagnosed when a woman's blood glucose levels during pregnancy are higher than normal, but not yet at the level of type 2 diabetes. Blood glucose tests are used to determine if a woman has gestational diabetes.
