Understanding Prediabetes Symptoms: Your Guide to Early Detection and Prevention

Are You Prediabetic Without Knowing?

In our dynamic world, staying on top of your health is crucial. Recognising prediabetes symptoms is key for early detection and prevention of Type 2 diabetes. This is especially important in cities like Hong Kong, where lifestyle choices heavily influence the rising prediabetes numbers. Let’s explore the signs of prediabetes and why informed action is essential for your health.

The Economist Intelligence Unit Limited’s 2021 report offers vital information on early intervention's role in mitigating prediabetes and its economic repercussions in Hong Kong:

• Early diagnosis and treatment of prediabetes can delay Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and reduce healthcare costs. With many cases undiagnosed, targeting early intervention is essential for individual and economic health.
• In 2019, diabetes-related healthcare spending in South East Asia topped US$8 billion, highlighting the need for early prediabetes detection to control these costs.
• The increasing prevalence of T2DM among young adults in Hong Kong signals potential long-term healthcare burdens, emphasizing the importance of early lifestyle changes.
• The report suggests that half of all T2DM cases go undiagnosed, which implies a larger number of prediabetes cases understated. Targeted screening in high-risk groups is necessary.
• Early interventions could result in almost US$19 billion in savings by 2040, demonstrating the economic and health advantages of prioritizing prediabetes.

CUHK research shows a high risk of diabetes for individuals with prediabetes, with a 90% lifetime risk for young people. Prediabetes associates with a 70% increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, highlighting its significance beyond being a diabetes precursor.

Data analysis by CU Medicine illustrates the significant threat prediabetes poses, emphasizing lifestyle and dietary shifts' role in increasing risk factors.

CUHK studies also reveal the higher risk of adverse clinical events due to prediabetes in younger individuals, with a 67% relative risk increase for cardiovascular disease in the 20-39 age group.

However, there is hope. Studies show that lifestyle interventions can normalize blood glucose levels and prevent diabetes progression, particularly in younger individuals.

Understanding Prediabetes: The Silent Prelude

Prediabetes is characterised by impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and/or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), conditions that indicate abnormal glucose homeostasis. Blood glucose levels in prediabetic individuals are notably higher than the normal range but fall below the diagnostic levels for Type 2 diabetes.

Importantly, research suggests that even at the prediabetes stage, individuals can begin to experience complications typically associated with diabetes, such as microvascular and macrovascular issues.

This underscores prediabetes not just as a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes but also as a health concern in its own right, meriting attention and intervention.

Who's at Risk?

The cosmopolitan lifestyle of Hong Kong, characterised by dining out frequently and high intake of processed foods, contributes to the rising concern. Prediabetes does not discriminate, yet certain factors elevate the risk, including being overweight, a family history of diabetes, physical inactivity, and unhealthy eating habits, all of which are notably prevalent in Hong Kong's fast-paced environment.

The Underlying Causes

Our body's relationship with insulin—produced by the pancreas to help cells absorb glucose for energy—is at the heart of prediabetes. When cells stop responding well to insulin, the pancreas must work harder, boosting insulin production. Eventually, this system can falter, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and laying the groundwork for prediabetes and potentially Type 2 diabetes.

Recognising the Signs

Prediabetes often progresses quietly, without noticeable symptoms. This stealthy nature emphasizes the importance of being vigilant about risk factors and seeking testing, particularly in the presence of the following signs:

• Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination: These changes are subtle but gradual.
• Fatigue: You may feel unusually tired, even with adequate rest.
• Blurred Vision: Even minor changes in vision should not be overlooked.
• Darkened Skin Areas: Look for areas around the neck and armpits that may darken, a condition known as acanthosis nigricans.

Additionally, certain factors increase your risk and merit attention:

• Being overweight
• Being 45 years or older
• A family history of diabetes
• Low physical activity levels
• A history of gestational diabetes
• Experiencing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Early Detection: The Key to Prevention

If you exhibit prediabetes symptoms or fall into a high-risk category, it's critical to get screened. Doing so can open a window of opportunity to halt or even reverse the progression to Type 2 diabetes. There are a few key blood tests that healthcare professionals use to determine whether someone is in the prediabetic range:

• Glucose Fasting Test: Measuring blood sugar levels after an overnight fast, this test can reveal higher than normal glucose levels, which might indicate prediabetes.
  
• Insulin Fasting Test: This test helps assess how your body is using insulin. Sub-optimal or high levels can suggest the beginning stages of insulin resistance.
  
• HbA1c Test: Providing an average of your blood sugar control over the past 2 to 3 months, an HbA1c level above 5.7% could be a sign of prediabetes.

Understanding your risk and taking the necessary blood tests provides invaluable insights. The HbA1c blood test is a common choice for screening, as it does not require fasting and can be taken at any time of the day. This test is also beneficial for giving an overview of how your blood glucose levels have been trending over the past few months.

Nurum's Role in Your Journey

Nurum promotes metabolic health through education and personalized care. We offer tailored Asian-inspired keto plans, coaching support, and educational resources to help reduce Type 2 diabetes risk.

Empowering Steps Towards a Healthier You

1. Awareness and Acknowledgment: Accept the need for action upon noticing early signs.
2. Seek Professional Advice: Get tested and follow personalised advice from healthcare professionals.
3. Healthy Lifestyle Adjustments: Integrate exercise and healthy eating into your life.
4. Continuous Monitoring: Stay vigilant with health indicators and regular check-ups.

Recognising prediabetes is the first step in transforming your health journey towards optimal wellness. Let Nurum guide you on this personalised path. Together, we can move from prediabetes to a vibrant, healthier life.