4 questions you should ask about pre-diabetes

Pre-diabetes is a condition that many people don't even know exists, much less understand. But if you think you may have it, here are some questions you should answer to before heading to the doctor.

• Pre-diabetes means that your blood-sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes.
• In countries where diabetes is a problem, pre-diabetes is quite common, but not diagnosed very often.
• For example, an estimated 57 million people in the United States have pre-diabetes, but studies show that only seven percent have been diagnosed.
• There's an easy and accurate blood-sugar test called an A1C that can quickly diagnose the condition.

Though the signs of diabetes can be subtle at first, they're not impossible to pick up on. The longer diabetes progresses, the more likely symptoms will become obvious. The hallmarks of uncontrolled diabetes are:

• Excessive thirst
• Increased appetite
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Frequent infections
• Tingling in your hands and feet
• Sexual dysfunction

Most doctors don't have much time to spend with patients, so it's not uncommon to feel a bit rushed. Write down your questions and bring them with you to go over with your doctor. Start with these:

• How often should I check my blood sugar?
• What symptoms warrant a call to the doctor?
• How and when do I take my medications?
• Will the medication make me drowsy or have any other side effects?
• What should I do if I think I'm experiencing an unpleasant effect from medication?
• What sort of eating plan should I follow?
• Can I drink alcohol?
• Should I avoid certain foods?
• Am I clear to pursue my favourite hobbies or activities?
• How can I be sure to get the right care?

• While you can keep diabetes under control and live normally, you must maintain healthy habits to keep the condition at bay.
• Through a smart diet and exercise plan — along with the right medication, if needed — you can keep your numbers at safe and normal levels for decades to come.
• If you stop controlling your diabetes, however, your blood glucose will inevitably climb to unhealthy levels.
• For some people, the disease progresses as they age, no matter how careful they are.

Diabetes will change everything about your life, from the food you eat to the lifestyle you lead. It doesn't have to control you, though. With the right information and lifestyle changes, you can live a healthy life, even with diabetes.