Prediabetes And You
What is Diabetes?
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To understand how prediabetes works, it can help to understand the three different types of diabetes. In general terms, diabetes is a chronic and sometimes fatal disease in which your body cannot produce insulin or cannot properly use the insulin it has. There are THREE different types:
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Type 1 diabetes – an autoimmune condition where the body can’t produce its own insulin.
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Gestational diabetes – a temporary condition that can occur during pregnancy.
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Type 2 diabetes – the most common type of diabetes that typically develops during adulthood. Small Steps for Big Changes is a free program to help prevent type 2 diabetes.
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What is Prediabetes?
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Prediabetes is a condition where your body has higher than usual blood sugar levels but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is classified when your Hemoglobin A1C level is between 5.7-6.4%. You may be at risk for prediabetes if any of the following apply to you:
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Over the age of 40
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Assigned sex at birth is male
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Have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes
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Have been diagnosed with high blood pressure
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Have a mother, father, sister or brother with diabetes
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You are not physically active
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You are overweight
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The good news…
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If you have prediabetes or are at risk for prediabetes, you can lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by eating healthy foods and engaging in regular physical activity. If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes, or are at risk, connect with a Small Steps for Big Changes location near you.