When your blood glucose levels are above normal but below the defined diabetes threshold, doctors call that prediabetes. Unfortunately, if prediabetes symptoms aren't treated, then you can develop full-blown diabetes. On the other hand, natural prediabetes treatment methods can help patients normalize blood glucose levels through a healthy diet, exercise, and helpful supplements. (1)
Prediabetes Causes and Risk Factors
So you may wonder if you're at risk of developing prediabetes. Take a look at the following list of possible causes and risk factors. Another condition, known as metabolic syndrome, may also show high blood sugar levels, so take note of your risk factors and how you feel. (2)- Being over the age of 45
- Having low HDL cholesterol levels
- Being overweight or obese
- Living a sedentary lifestyle
- Having a family history of diabetes
- Suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Having a history of gestational diabetes
- Suffering from sleep apnea
Prediabetes Symptoms
Yes, some of these symptoms look familiar, and you may even have a few of them from time to time. But that's the problem! Often, people with prediabetes don't realize they have it, because they don't experience clear-cut symptoms. So if you experience a few or more together, or consistently over time, then you should try to find out more. (3, 4)- Fatigue
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Feeling shaky or jittery
- Acanthosis nigricans, a skin condition that causes the skin to darken and thicken (5)
Prediabetes Treatment
1. Lose Excess Weight
Since prediabetes causes and risk factors include being overweight or obese, then losing weight should be high on the list of steps to take in response. In fact, studies have shown that lifestyle interventions can help prevent diabetes by 40-70% in adults with prediabetes. If needed, focus on a healthy weight loss plan and make the dietary changes necessary to reduce your risk of developing diabetes. (6)
2. Follow a Prediabetes Diet
A diabetic diet plan is also an important part of prediabetes treatment. If your current diet has helped lead to prediabetes, then it may lead you down that path too far. So choose foods that help balance blood sugar levels, including protein, fiber and healthy fats. For example, try berries, figs, acorn squash, flaxseeds, quinoa, coconut oil, and avocados to help support healthy blood sugar levels. Also avoid foods filled with processed sugar, such as soda, fruit juice and candy. Refined sugar spikes blood glucose levels. (7)3. Take Chromium
The body needs chromium to reduce carbohydrate cravings and prevent insulin resistance. A chromium deficiency can increase your risk of glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, which can lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, taking a chromium supplement may help reduce your risk of developing prediabetes and help you maintain healthy blood glucose levels. (8)4. Increase Your Magnesium Intake
Magnesium is so important that a magnesium deficiency can lead to other nutrient deficiencies and hypertension, both of which are risk factors for prediabetes. Studies have shown that supplementing with magnesium can help offset the risk of developing diabetes. You can also get more magnesium in your diet from magnesium-rich foods including green leafy vegetables, avocados, nuts, seeds and legumes. (9)
