Prediabetes is an early but reversible stage of type 2 diabetes. In this stage, a person’s glucose levels are slightly higher than normal, yet not high enough to be considered ‘true diabetes.’ However, people suffering from prediabetes are at a higher risk of developing full-blown diabetes than healthy people. People with prediabetes do not generally show the symptoms of the condition.
One of the methods used for diagnosing prediabetes is by looking at your fasting blood sugar. The question here is: is 119 high for fasting blood sugar?
Testing For prediabetes
The normal level of fasting blood sugar is below 100 mg/dl. If your fasting blood sugar lies in the range of 100 and 125 mg/dl, you are more likely to be diagnosed with prediabetes. If the level is 126 and above, you probably have diabetes. So, yes. 119 is moderately high for fasting blood sugar.
Another test used to diagnose diabetes is the oral glucose tolerance test. This test is usually used to diagnose gestational diabetes in pregnant women. The blood sugar level is recorded once after fasting overnight and the second time after drinking a glucose-rich beverage. The blood sugar level should ideally be below 140 two hours after the drink. A person may be considered to have prediabetes if their blood sugar level at this time is between 140 and 199. If it is 200 and above, they are said to have diabetes.
Long-term effects of prediabetes
While they are not as severe as diabetes, prediabetes does have its fair share of long-term effects:
- A person’s heart and blood vessels can sustain damage. A person with prediabetes has a 50% higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases than people with normal sugar levels.
- Prediabetes does not have any specific symptoms. As such, one may not know if they have prediabetes or not. This can only be checked if your doctor recommends a screening or during a general check-up.
How to prevent prediabetes or diabetes
On the plus side, it is possible to delay the onset of diabetes or even keep prediabetes under check by making a few modifications to your lifestyle.
- Lose weight: It has been proven that by losing just 7% of your body weight, your body will experience a huge difference. You can start by eating healthier and tracking your weight, eating habits, and exercises. By consuming fewer calories, you will slowly start experiencing a better lifestyle.
- Eating healthy: A general tip is to fill half your plate with starch-less vegetables such as carrots and asparagus, one quarter with starchy food like corn and potatoes, and the remaining quarter with protein like fish or beans. Carbohydrates could raise your blood sugar since your body breaks down the carbs to form sugar.
- Exercise: By stepping out and burning calories, you will lose weight faster. Something as simple and short as a 30-minute brisk walk at least five times a week should be enough to keep your health in check. It is better to exercise with a partner to stick to a schedule.
- Get enough sleep: Sleep is absolutely important for helping your body maintain its sugar levels. Ensure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every day.
Prediabetes may not seem as threatening as diabetes. However, if left untreated, it could blow up into something dangerous. Ensure you stay healthy and go for regular general check-ups. Control your sugar since 119 is high for fasting blood sugar.