Pre-diabetes is a condition affecting more than six million Canadians today. Don’t be fooled by its name—it is a serious health issue. Those who have it and continue living an unhealthy lifestyle increase their likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes within ten years.
Symptoms of pre-diabetes include blurred vision, fatigue, increased thirst, frequent urination, and excessive hunger. People who have pre-diabetes need to be mindful of their lifestyle choices since having this condition means an increased risk for health events like heart attacks or stroke.
Fortunately, it is possible to reverse pre-diabetes. You can avoid more severe ailments by changing your lifestyle. Here are things that can help reverse this chronic condition.
Monitor Your Glucose Daily
If you have pre-diabetes, maintaining a healthy blood sugar level becomes even more critical. You can monitor your blood sugar using home medical supplies you can get at your local pharmacy—ask your pharmacist to help you choose the best one for your lifestyle.
You can self-test your blood sugar levels using kits that you can use at home. You can even monitor your numbers via smartphone—some tools enable Bluetooth connections to mobile devices. Checking your blood sugar allows you to catch fluctuations and implement quick fixes before your levels dip too low or surge too high.
Watch Your Food Intake
Generally speaking, the more sugar-laden food you eat, the higher your blood sugar levels. Besides sweets and desserts, carbohydrate-rich food like bread, pasta, and pizza are common culprits for spikes in blood glucose. If you have a sweet tooth or love your carbs, though, you don’t have to give up everything you love. Consult a nutritionist or pharmacist to learn the best types of food and drink to include in your diet.
Engage in Regular Exercise
Many people are intimidated to start a fitness regimen. They think it means running as if you are training for a marathon, lifting weights twice your weight, or other taxing activities. However, exercise does not need to be this strenuous. You can start with daily 30-minute walks. Brisk walking can lower your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
You can also increase your engagement by finding activities that are challenging but enjoyable. When you strike a balance between challenging and entertaining yourself while you work out, the minutes will fly by.
Take Supplements for Your Blood Sugar
Most pharmacies have a section especially for diabetic supplements—besides managing diabetes, taking these can help reverse pre-diabetes. You can enlist pharmacy consulting services to help you find the best supplements for your lifestyle.
Often, these pills, capsules, or powders have magnesium, Vitamin B12, iodine, and other vitamins and minerals that prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Magnesium helps break down sugar, while iodine assists in metabolism. Note that taking supplements is not a substitute for holistic self-care. You still need to exercise regularly and watch what you eat even if you take these health supplements every day.
Practice Mindfulness
Prayer, meditation, stress management, and relaxation techniques can help you cultivate mindfulness. When you pay attention to your body, you will be more attuned to pain, discomfort, and other signs that something is out of balance in your system. Practicing mindfulness will help you learn more about your body’s reactions.
Get Enough Sleep
According to experts, there are significant links between sleep deprivation and pre-diabetes. One reason your blood sugar levels rise when you sleep late is because of the stress hormone cortisol. Fewer hours of sleep lead to your body producing more of this hormone, which leads to higher levels of glucose in the body.
Get enough sleep by practising good sleep hygiene. Create an environment conducive to sleep—keep your room dark and quiet, sleep on a comfortable mattress, and turn off electronics at least 20 minutes before you intend to sleep. Also, get the right amount of sleep every day. Adults aged 18 to 64 need seven to nine hours of sleep daily, while seniors aged 65 and above need seven to eight hours.
Conclusion
Pre-diabetes is a serious health concern that can lead to full-blown Type 2 diabetes. If you suspect that you might have this condition, consult a doctor immediately. Working with medical professionals will enable you to formulate a plan and possibly reverse this condition.
For concerns about diabetes management, get in touch with Summerside Pharmasave. We are your trusted pharmacy consultant in Edmonton, and our diabetes-related services include risk assessment and advice, medication and supplement recommendations, blood sugar level control, and much more. Book a consultation today!