How to STOP Prediabetes Going Into Diabetes

author avatar Dr. Eric Berg 12/09/2023

Imagine walking a tightrope. On one side, pre-diabetes looms; on the other, diabetes is in its complete form.

You're smack dab in the middle of this health high-wire act, and your balance is wobbling...

It's a bit daunting, huh? But here's some good news: you have more control than you think. It all boils down to understanding how blood sugar levels play out in your body and making intelligent choices to balance those sugars.

This post isn't about scare tactics or guilt trips. Nope! Instead, it's filled with practical tips to help steer clear from turning pre-diabetes into diabetes - no magic potions required!

We'll dive deep into topics like insulin regulation and dietary changes while debunking myths about carbohydrates along the way.

So, you're asking about the secret sauce? Well, let's dive right into that!

Understanding Pre-diabetes and Diabetes

If you've looked at your medical reports, terms like blood sugar levels and A1C might seem familiar. These are critical indicators of pre-diabetes and diabetes.

Blood Sugar Levels in Pre-diabetes and Diabetes

The fuel for our bodies, glucose, is monitored by the level of sugar in our blood. But when this escalates beyond the normal range, it could indicate pre-diabetes or diabetes.

In pre-diabetic conditions, your blood sugars are higher than usual but not high enough to be classified as full-blown diabetes.

High blood sugar levels can eventually result in the onset of Type 2 diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder.

The Role of the A1C Test

Regular testing, such as an A1C test, is an essential part of managing these conditions. This test gives an average view of your blood sugar control over three months, helping detect early signs before they escalate into severe health issues.

The Role of Insulin in Blood Sugar Regulation

Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is essential for regulating blood sugar levels. When you consume edibles containing carbohydrates, they are broken down into glucose and enter the bloodstream.

Insulin's Function in the Body

This is where insulin jumps into action. Its job is to let this glucose enter cells for energy use or storage. Insulin is a key that unlocks cells to take up sugar from your blood.

But when there’s too much glucose — perhaps because you’ve had more carbs than usual — extra insulin must be produced to help store all this surplus energy.

The Impact of High Blood Sugar Levels

Our bodies must produce even more insulin if we keep overloading our system with high-sugar foods and drinks. Over time, though, these elevated levels may start causing problems.

A chronic state of high blood sugar can lead to damage in arteries, forming plaque, which increases risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

The Impact of Diet on Insulin Levels

Our diet plays a pivotal role in insulin levels. Let's focus on how daily sugar and carbohydrate intake influences this.

Average Daily Sugar Consumption

An average person consumes around 17 teaspoons of added sugar every day. This doesn't even include carbs that our bodies convert into sugars.

High blood glucose levels due to overconsumption can force the pancreas to produce more insulin, potentially leading many people unknowingly toward diabetes.

Excessive consumption is one reason why many people are walking towards diabetes without knowing it. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars, hidden everywhere - from pasta sauces to breads.

How Excessive Carbohydrates Influence Insulin Levels

Eating too many carbohydrates can lead us down the same dangerous path as overloading sugar. When you ingest carbs, they get broken down into essential sugars circulating in your bloodstream. This prompts an increase in insulin production.

If you constantly snack or have carb-heavy meals throughout the day, it could mean trouble for your health. It puts pressure on the pancreas and may cause insulin resistance, a precursor to pre-diabetes and eventually full-blown diabetes if left unchecked.

Understanding Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance can be likened to a stubborn door lock that refuses your key. In this scenario, the insulin is the key, and your body cells are the lock. When you're insulin resistant, your body's cells ignore insulin's attempts to let glucose in.

The Mechanism of Insulin Resistance

The pancreas responds by increasing its insulin output to maintain normal blood sugar levels, which can eventually lead to a decrease in overall production. This constant overproduction can lead to an eventual decline in overall production.

This silent battle often persists for years unnoticed due to its lack of pronounced symptoms. It’s like having a small leak in your home; it doesn't seem harmful until significant damage has occurred.

Symptoms of Insulin Resistance

If there were such a thing as a 'most wanted' list for signs of potential health issues, belly fat would undoubtedly appear. But don’t jump on every little sign. A protruding tummy could mean you've been enjoying mom's apple pie too much lately.

Apart from weight gain around the midsection, other telltale signs include frequent urination and constant hunger.

So the next time you're feeling foggy-headed or noticing extra trips to the bathroom, it might not just be because you’re drinking lots of water, but maybe something more.

Intermittent fasting on a notepad

Preventing Diabetes through Dietary Changes and Intermittent Fasting

The choices we make in our diets can have a significant impact on pre-diabetes and thus must be taken into consideration. The foods we choose can either tip the scales towards health or disease.

Cutting Out Carbs

A diet high in carbs isn’t just a one-way ticket to weight gain; it’s also a shortcut to spiking blood sugar levels. High-carb diets often lead to increased insulin production as your body tries hard but fails miserably at keeping up with its demand for glucose disposal.

Cutting carbs from our meals helps keep insulin resistance at bay and potentially prevent diabetes (NCBI). It's like replacing a highway full of traffic with an open road—fewer obstacles mean better efficiency.

The Role of Intermittent Fasting

Fancy going on regular breaks? Your pancreas does, too. Just like how you recharge after taking time off work, intermittent fasting allows your pancreas some much-needed rest from constantly producing insulin.

This period helps regulate blood sugar levels while improving insulin sensitivity - all crucial steps in preventing diabetes.

Probiotics and Pre-Diabetes to Diabetes

When it comes to managing the transition from pre-diabetes to diabetes, considering the role of probiotics can be valuable.

While specific recommendations for the "best probiotic for diabetes" may vary, research suggests that certain probiotic strains, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

These probiotics have the potential to positively influence the gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in metabolic health.

While probiotics alone are not a substitute for proper medical care and lifestyle changes, they can be a supportive component of a holistic approach to managing blood sugar levels and the progression of diabetes.

It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable probiotic strategy for your specific needs and condition.

Conclusion

Keeping pre-diabetes from turning into diabetes isn't a mystery. It's about understanding your body and making intelligent choices.

Bear in mind the figures don't deceive. Blood sugar levels tell us where we stand, while A1C tests show our average blood sugar over time.

The role of insulin can't be overstated either. This hormone helps regulate blood sugar but can cause problems when levels spike due to excessive carbs or constant snacking.

Beware of insulin resistance symptoms, too - things like belly fat, frequent urination, brain fog, and hunger pangs are all red flags.

Last but not least, diet matters! Cutting out carbs and trying intermittent fasting could be game-changers in preventing full-blown diabetes.

Healthy Keto Guide for Beginner

FREE Keto Diet Plan