Pre diabetes

I’ve been pre diabetic for years!

I think most people, over a certain age, are pre-Diabetic. I'm 67 and my HbA1c was 47. I lost some weight (3st) and it's now 35.

I was told I was prediabetic with a HbAlc of 41. Had a blood test 2 months later and now mid 30’s. I always do 15 mins of exercise after every meal, and eat more fibre. I’ve never had much sugary food or drinks. Good sleep is still eluding me, but is supposed to help.
It’s better to tackle as soon as you find out rather than let it develop.

I saw a nurse recently about a blood test I’d had and she told me that she couldn’t understand why so many b/t results were suddenly coming back as pre diabetic when she thought they shouldn’t be. I wonder if the guidelines have changed? I think a lot of test results are open to interpretation and the results have been simplified when, in fact they are more complicated and other factors need taking into account.

MayBee70

I saw a nurse recently about a blood test I’d had and she told me that she couldn’t understand why so many b/t results were suddenly coming back as pre diabetic when she thought they shouldn’t be. I wonder if the guidelines have changed? I think a lot of test results are open to interpretation and the results have been simplified when, in fact they are more complicated and other factors need taking into account.

I think the answer would be that previously they didn't test for Pre Diabetic and would only be diabetic or not now they are saying "Well if you start doing something now it won't get worse" So yes they are more people being diagnosed.

Yes, and I strongly suspect that the GP surgeries get increased funding for each "pre-diabetic" they diagnose.
And these are often diagnosed without a face to face appointment.
My husband, for instance.

A good few years ago. It was pre covid I was told I was prediabetic. As an ex dietitian I said to myself easy.get that sorted. Cut out the few chocs that I ate. Was generally pretty careful. Upped my walking by a couple of miles a day. We had recently moved and wasn’t walking that much. After three months I eagerly awaited the blood test results. What a disappointment it hadn’t budged at all. However I had reason to review some bloods taken about a year ago and it said non diabetic. So there you go

Thanks Ladies
For your replies. It’s a bit of a mystery as my diet is really not bad and l’m only just overweight. I don’t drive, live in a hilly area and walk everywhere. Nothing much has changed for me apart from getting older. I will do my best to get it down, but sometimes l think l might prefer to be ignorant of all the things that are wrong with me!

grannyjan2

Yes, and I strongly suspect that the GP surgeries get increased funding for each "pre-diabetic" they diagnose.
And these are often diagnosed without a face to face appointment.
My husband, for instance.

They do. They fall over themselves to get you diagnosed.

So am I - ‘pre diabetic’ 😫

I probably am pre-diabetic, I have to be careful not to eat or drink too much, so it's moderation in everything and stick to a routine. Im pretty active but if I do have a couple of days doing nothing symptoms return.

grannyjan2 As prediabetes is diagnosed by an HbA1c test I don’t see the need for a face to face appointment with a GP. The results of my annual blood test appear on the NHS app and if necessary I have a follow up with a health care assistant.
The reason for these diagnoses is to try to prevent people developing Type2 diabetes , which seems to be at epidemic proportions and causes so many serious health problems. I’m grateful for the warning.

I know many pre diabetics, including myself. I eat well but did find knocking off biscuits and cakes reduced then maintained me at pre limits

Iam64

I know many pre diabetics, including myself. I eat well but did find knocking off biscuits and cakes reduced then maintained me at pre limits

Me too Iam64. My HbA1c test came out at 41, I used to eat cakes and biscuits and items like chocolate mousse after meals, I've stopped them completely and eat yoghurt and fruit instead. My level dropped to 39 and just recently 37.

I do a fair amount of exercise in the gym, cycling and walking but not an excessive amount. I'm very pleased at the outcome and I've lost my sweet tooth, it's been worth it.

Bear in mind that all cases of Type 2 are not caused by diet or because of being overweight. My GP assured me there was no way I could have avoided developing type2 it was in my genes . For years I had to make sure I are regular meals my blood sugar would fall too low id I did not do so and I felt weak and unsteady . I always thought that would exclude me from developing diabetes but was told that is a good indicator that I in fact would .

I was diagnosed as diabetic many years ago so I went on a strict diet and lost 10 kgs. Since then I am regarded as pre diabetic but not diabetic. I check my blood sugar a couple of times a week and it is ok. I have never had to take medication and I don’t want to. I still eat some sweet things but not so many now. I try to walk most days, cut down on booze and only have pizzas occasionally because they send the old sugars sky high for me. Good to catch it early, you can reverse it and stop it affecting eyes etc.

I was diagnosed pre diabetic during COVID, I reduced my carbs and did more weight training. I've been fine since.

I don’t know anyone of my age, 81, who has not been deemed pre diabetic. A doctor friend told me that goal posts have been moved.

At the start of the year my HBA1C had crept up in over 10 years to 47 (so had my weight). So I thought I better try and do something about it.
I have lost 2 stones, cut out a lot of carbohydrates, sugar and most ultra processed food. Cut down on red meat eat mostly fish, chicken and vegetarian food.
I still enjoy a glass or 2 of wine and an occasional treat. I swim a lot more, do aqua aerobics and lift weights.
I feel great and my levels have dropped to 40 so not pre diabetic.

grannyjan2

Yes, and I strongly suspect that the GP surgeries get increased funding for each "pre-diabetic" they diagnose.
And these are often diagnosed without a face to face appointment.
My husband, for instance.

...and also other trendy diagnoses and treatments like sleep apnea, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, statins and Metformin

I had gestational diabetes years ago, so I already had a hint that I might develop type 2 diabetes at some point. Last year, after years of being pre-diabetic, I finally did. I'm taking the meds (no insulin at this point, thankfully) but also trying to reverse it.

Note: They say that once you're diagnosed as diabetic, you're always considered diabetic. However, it is sometimes possible to get your blood sugar within normal range where you have no signs of diabetes, which would be good enough for me!

A couple of books I've found helpful, whether for pre-diabetes or full blown diabetes are:

Dr. Neal Barnard's Program for Reversing Diabetes: The Scientifically Proven System for Reversing Diabetes Without Drugs.

And
The End of Diabetes: The Eat to Live Plan to Prevent and Reverse Diabetes by Joel Fuhrman, MD.

I'm pre diabetic too.
I can't even remember what my number is on the scale but it's down a bit! 😂
I am not worried about it.

I think blood tests are just a snapshot.
Of the day.
I had a leve of 41 & no-one followed up or told me I was prediabetic, & I've had annual ones since & its been lower.

Diabetes is common & to be avoided if possible, so check the dietary advice & keep it in mind - but not something to obssess over at this point unless your GP is worried about it..

I was also diagnosed as pre diabetic a couple of years ago. After stopping my breakfast orange juice and low fat yoghurt (full of sugar) it was reversed. Good luck.