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Pre-diabetes, in simple terms, is a precursor to full type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes develops when your blood glucose/sugar levels become extremely high due to a lack of insulin in your body. Pre-diabetes occurs when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. Unlike type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes can be reversed by making positive lifestyle changes. Therefore, it is a critical stage because by making the right choices you can avoid type 2 diabetes completely.

The exact causes of pre-diabetes are not fully understood but it is linked to a number of risk factors. Some of these risk factors (such as age, family history and race) are beyond your control. However, a number of the risk factors (including inactivity and obesity) are within your control. By maintaining a healthy body weight and doing more exercise you can reduce your risk of reverse pre-diabetes and halt the development of type 2 diabetes.

The symptoms of pre-diabetes are similar to those of type 2 diabetes, although they may not be as noticeable. If you find yourself becoming increasingly hungry or thirsty, urinating more frequently or vomiting regularly you may have pre-diabetes and should go see your doctor. They will then be able to perform various tests (including the fasting plasma glucose test and the oral glucose tolerance test) which will confirm whether you have pre-diabetes or not.

If you are diagnosed with pre-diabetes then you should be thankful because you have been given a final chance to evade full type 2 diabetes. Your doctor will be able to give you further advice on the positive lifestyle changes you should make. One of these changes will be to improve your diet by eating smaller meals more regularly, consuming adequate levels of fibre and eating lots of fruits and vegetables. Another change will be to become more active by doing a little exercise each day with walking, cycling, swimming or participating in team sports all excellent choices.

By implementing the above lifestyle changes you can keep your weight under control, moderate your blood sugar levels, increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin and most importantly prevent type 2 diabetes from developing. An increasing number of people around the world are contracting diabetes with the latest estimates suggesting that over 200 million people worldwide have diabetes. Acting on your pre-diabetes now will allow you to avoid becoming part of these constantly increasing numbers.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding pre-diabetes or diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.

The introductory video on hyperthyroidism in pregnancy, discussing the most common causes and effects on pregnancy.

Knowing about your body can be very beneficial to your health as you age. Knowing about your blood pressure can help prevent strokes, heart disease and kidney disease. In this article you will find everything you should know about your blood pressure.

Anyone can have high blood pressure. It doesn’t matter your age, race, ethnicity or gender. Many people suffer from high blood pressure and have a higher risk of strokes and heart diseases than those with regular blood pressure.

What is high blood pressure? High blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. Your blood pressure is always rising and falling throughout the day and if it rises and stays that way over time, you have high blood pressure.

High blood pressure is usually referred to as hypertension. When you have high blood pressure it puts more pressure on the heart, making it work harder than usual. This is why you end up at risk for strokes or heart disease.

What is the normal blood pressure level? The normal blood pressure level is less than 120 over 80 or less. The first number is your systolic pressure and the second number is your diastolic pressure. Your numbers are read 120 over 80, etc. If your pressure is 140 over 90 or higher you have high blood pressure.

What is systolic blood pressure? This is the force of blood in your arteries when your heart is beating.

What is diastolic blood pressure? This is the force of blood in your arteries when your heart is relaxing.

What are the risk factors of high blood pressure? The most common risks of high blood pressure are stroke and heart disease. There are a few other risk factors that can be modified and some that cannot be. The following are some risks: Tobacco Physical Inactivity Diabete Abnormal Cholesterol Being overweight

Who can get high blood pressure? Unfortunately anyone can get high blood pressure but it is more common among African Americans. Nearly one in three American adults has high blood pressure. African Americans also have a much higher death rate from kidney disease and stroke than white Americans. Even so, with treatment you can help lower your blood pressure.

How can I lower my blood pressure? Fortunately there are many different ways of helping to lower your blood pressure. Exercise is a great way to lower it. Doing physical activity will make your heart stronger over time. If you have a stronger heart it can pump blood easier lessening your risks of stroke and kidney diseases. It is never too late to start exercising!

If you are concerned about your blood pressure consult your physician. Ask any and all questions you might have and find the best way for you to lower it. If all regular ways fail, consider medication. Talk with your doctor about your health and lifestyle so he can choose the best medicine for you. If you want to live a healthy life, taking control of your blood pressure is very important.