are you pre diabetic

Almost everyone that is somewhat aware of their health and fitness level has heard of the disease called diabetes before. Diabetes incidence rates are running rampant at the moment as we’re living in a world that consists of oversized food portions of highly processed foods and very little physical activity.

This said, one disease that some people have not heard about or aren’t aware exists is pre-diabetes.

This is the stage right before you hit diabetes and needs to be paid close attention to.

So could you potentially be pre-diabetic yourself? The statistics state that one in four Americans currently are pre-diabetic yet un-aware, and this trend is spreading throughout the world. Are you one of them?

Let’s look at the main things that you need to note and keep in mind about this potentially serious illness.

Your Waist Circumference

The very first thing that you must assess to see whether you could be at risk for pre-diabetes is your waist circumference. Since those who are diabetic are very often overweight, if your waist circumference is creeping up there, you could have a problem on your hands.

Generally speaking, a waist circumference of above 35 inches for females and 40 inches for males would indicate that you may want to sit up and take action over your current body weight.

Your Fasting Triglycerides                                                                                                     

Another important measurement to take is your fasting triglycerides. This refers to the fats that are in the blood at the same time as cholesterol. A fasting triglyceride level of over 150 mg/dL would indicate that you may have some issues with your glucose metabolism and should be taking some precautions right now to avoid diabetes.

Many doctors also look at the ratio of total triglycerides to high density lipoproteins (LDL cholesterol) as this can indicate prediabetes as well. With this one, you’re looking at a ratio of less than 4:1 to indicate you’re in a good state of health.

Your Family History

Next, also think about your family history. Was your mother or father diabetic? Do you have a sibling who suffers from the condition?

While you definitely can’t guarantee that you’ll be diabetic if you have a family member who is, you do need to be slightly more careful yourself if you do.

This just means that it will be more important than ever to watch your body weight and make sure that you’re leading a lifestyle that’s conducive to not suffering from diabetes.

Your Lifestyle Habits

Finally, also think about your lifestyle habits. It seems obvious but yet so many people don’t assess this with the seriousness they should.

If you’re still eating processed foods, noshing on fast food or junk food, and getting very little exercise, you must change your ways.

You may think that ‘it could never happen to you’, but it can. The reality is that more and more people are diagnosed with diabetes each and every day and you could already be well on your way there by having pre-diabetes.

Don’t wait until the problem is present to take action. Start making fitness and healthy eating a priority now so you can save your future.

So there you have some important points to note about pre-diabetes. It may not be as much of a threat to your health and life as full blown diabetes, but it should be still treated with the same seriousness.