In the pursuit of health, blood sugar control undoubtedly occupies an important position. For most people, a slight fluctuation in blood sugar may not be much of a concern, but when a test result is outside the normal range, even a slight exceedance can be enough to stir up a storm. In this case, people often fall into confusion and panic, thinking that they are on the threshold of diabetes. However, does excessive blood sugar really mean that diabetes is inevitable? Or is it just a mild warning from our body that we need to make lifestyle changes without having to rely on drugs right away**?
In the medical world, there is a state known as "pre-glycemia," which is a gray area between normal blood sugar and diabetes. At this stage, blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but they do not meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetes. For people in this state, the right understanding and coping strategies are particularly crucial.
Pre-glucose, a stage of abnormal glucose metabolism, is often regarded as the sentinel of diabetes. At this stage, blood glucose levels are above the normal range, but they do not meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetes. The medical definition of pre-glucose is based on accurate blood glucose measurements: fasting blood glucose levels are at 61 to 69 mmol L (110 to 125 mg DL) or a 2-hour postprandial blood glucose level of 78 to 11Between 0 mmol L (140 and 199 mg DL).
The significance of understanding prediabetes is not only to identify subtle changes in an individual's glucose metabolism status, but also to initiate early intervention to stop or delay the progression of diabetes. Individuals in the pre-glycemic stage face not only an increase in blood sugar levels, but also an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the identification and intervention at this stage is of great significance to prevent the formation of long-term complications.
For people with prediabetes, lifestyle modifications are undoubtedly the preferred strategy to prevent the development of diabetes. Dietary modifications, increased physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight can be effective in improving blood sugar levels and overall health. In terms of diet, it is recommended to increase the intake of dietary fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits, while reducing the consumption of processed foods and sugary drinks. In addition, regular moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, for at least 150 minutes per week, has a significant effect on improving insulin sensitivity.
The purpose of lifestyle modification is not only to directly affect blood sugar levels, but also to reduce the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease through weight loss, blood pressure and lipid levels. The advantage of this approach is that it is extremely low and the health benefits go far beyond blood sugar control itself.
Although lifestyle modifications are the cornerstone of pre-glycemic management, in some cases, medications** may become necessary. This is especially true when lifestyle modifications fail to effectively control blood sugar levels, or when the individual is unable to make necessary lifestyle changes due to other health problems. In this context, doctors may consider interventional medications**.
The choice of medication should be based on the individual's specific situation, including blood sugar levels, the health risks present, and possibly common medications including metformin, which is a blood sugar-lowering medication that works by increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin. For some individuals, doctors may recommend newer medications, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which can help control blood sugar and help with weight management.
The management of the sugar stage is not a short-term action, but a long-term strategy. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is a key part of management, helping to assess changes in health status and the effectiveness of interventions. In addition to blood sugar levels, it is also important to regularly monitor blood pressure, blood lipid levels, and weight, which together reflect an individual's health status and risk of developing diabetes.
Close collaboration with the medical team is another important aspect of a long-term management strategy. Through regular health check-ups and consultations, the plan can be adjusted in a timely manner according to changes in the individual's health status. In addition, establishing healthy lifestyle habits, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper weight management, is fundamental to preventing diabetes and maintaining long-term health.