Guide to Weight Loss Medications
Examine weight loss medications and the clinics offering them in Singapore. Find practical programs and meet knowledgeable weight management doctors.
November 12, 2024
Prediabetes is a pressing issue in Singapore, with many unknowingly living with this silent condition. Recognising your risk factors of pre-diabetes can be the first step towards preventing its progression to full-blown diabetes.
In this article we will explain what pre-diabetes is, its symptoms, and what to do if you have this condition.
Pre-diabetes is a medical condition characterised by elevated blood sugar levels, falling just short of a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. It is primarily diagnosed through a series of tests, including the fasting plasma glucose and the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) both of which require an overnight fast. A non-fasting glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) test can be done for a screening, but sometimes will require further fasted blood tests for confirmation for a diagnosis of pre-diabetes. These tests help assess your blood sugar levels over a certain period, providing essential insights into your body’s glucose regulation.
Pre-diabetes is not a life sentence. Adopting lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity, modifying eating habits, and maintaining a healthy BMI can significantly decrease the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Yet, even with a healthy lifestyle, factors like genetics and age can still contribute to the development of pre-diabetes and the risk of developing diabetes.
Pre-diabetes is diagnosed through when these blood tests uncover limitations in the different aspects of glucose metabolism namely -- impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glucose.
Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) involves measuring blood sugar levels after the consumption of a glucose-rich solution. During an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), fasting blood sugar levels are first checked, and then individuals are required to drink a solution containing a specific amount of glucose. Blood sugar levels are then monitored two hours after. Elevated blood glucose levels between 7.8-11.0 mmol/L at the 2 hours mark indicate impaired glucose tolerance, suggesting a higher risk of progressing to diabetes. In some cases, diabetes is diagnosed when the 2 hour reading is 11.1mmol/L or more.
The assessment of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) involves measuring blood sugar levels after an overnight fast. Elevated fasting glucose levels between 6.1-6.9 mmol/L signal impaired fasting glucose and an increased risk of developing diabetes.
Prediabetes often develops without noticeable symptoms, making blood tests the most reliable method for diagnosis.
If symptoms do appear, they are as follows.
Increased thirst and frequent urination are common symptoms of pre-diabetes. These may be a result of insulin resistance, which reduces your cells’ responsiveness to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. This excess glucose in the blood can also result in frequent urination as excess sugar in the urine draws additional water.
Insulin resistance in pre-diabetes can also lead to heightened thirst as a result of elevated blood sugar levels and the body’s attempt to maintain balance.
Along with increased thirst and frequent urination, blurry vision is another sign you might have pre-diabetes. High blood sugar levels can cause damage to the blood vessels in your eyes, which in turn leads to blurry vision. Therefore, regular vision checks and professional consultations are vital when changes occur, since blurry vision can indicate other diabetes complications.
Diabetic or prediabetic patients often experience chronic fatigue due to insulin resistance, where the body is unable to convert glucose into energy. In a healthy state, insulin facilitates the conversion of glucose into energy within our cells and aids in storing excess glucose. This energy is then distributed to various cells, including muscle cells.
In pre-diabetes, this process is impaired leading to suboptimal energy production from glucose. As a result, individuals with impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance may feel more tired after meals when blood sugar levels can fluctuate more noticeably.
Insufficient insulin prevents the body from effectively using glucose for energy, resulting in heightened hunger as the body seeks alternative energy sources. This heightened hunger, also referred to as polyphagia or hyperphagia, is often linked to pre-diabetes.
Unexplained weight loss or gain may indicate pre-diabetes, as it reflects the body’s difficulty in regulating blood sugar levels. This can be attributed to factors including insulin resistance, extreme hunger (polyphagia), obesity, and variations in body mass index, all of which can affect achieving a healthy body weight.
The regulation of blood sugar level can have an impact on weight changes. Here are some strategies to consider:
Darkened skin, particularly in areas with creases, can be a sign of pre-diabetes. This symptom is particularly obvious in overweight or obese individuals.
A family history of diabetes can increase the risk of developing pre-diabetes due to genetic factors. If you have a family history of Type 2 diabetes it is particularly important to go for regular diabetes screening.
Ethnicity also plays a role. In Singapore, Indians and Malays have a higher prevalence of diabetes than Chinese.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a key indicator of body weight in relation to height. A BMI of 23.0 kg/m² or higher is associated with an increased risk of pre-diabetes. Excess body weight can contribute to insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes.
Lack of exercise can lead to weight gain and reduced insulin sensitivity, both of which are known to be risk factors associated with the development of pre-diabetes.
Exercise provides several benefits to individuals with prediabetes, such as:
Preventing pre-diabetes involves at least 150 minutes of weekly exercise, which should include both aerobic exercises and resistance training.
Women who have experienced gestational diabetes during pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing pre-diabetes. Monitoring blood sugar levels and adopting a healthy lifestyle post-pregnancy is crucial in preventing the progression to pre-diabetes.
Imbalances in blood cholesterol and lipid levels can be indicative of metabolic issues, contributing to pre-diabetes. Regular cholesterol screenings are essential, and abnormalities should be addressed through lifestyle modifications and medical guidance.
Hypertension is often linked to pre-diabetes. Elevated blood pressure can worsen insulin resistance and contribute to the development of pre-diabetic conditions. Monitoring and managing blood pressure is crucial for overall health.
Age is another risk factor for pre-diabetes, with the risk increasing as one gets older. Individuals over the age of 35 are considered to be the most at risk for pre-diabetes.
The typical age at which pre-diabetes typically begins is after age 35, but it is most prevalent in individuals aged 45-64. As our bodies age, the susceptibility to type 2 diabetes also rises.
Even with a healthy diet, some of the factors we’ve mentioned, like genetics and age, can contribute to the development of pre-diabetes. That’s why regular health screenings are important. They can help you identify health issues that happen in spite of your best efforts.
Nevertheless, it should be noted that, generally, a healthy diet is still essential whether in preventing prediabetes or in managing it.
You should see a doctor about prediabetes if you’ve encountered any of the signs mentioned in this article. And if you have a family history of prediabetes or some other health condition that predisposes you to developing diabetes, you should also see a doctor.
From the age of 40, it is recommended to screen for diabetes at least once every 3 years. For those who are 18-39 years old, you can speak to a doctor to assess your risk for diabetes, and if you are found to be at higher risk, undergo screening for diabetes as well.
If you already have prediabetes or diabetes, it is especially important to pay attention to these signs and go for regular check-ups with your doctor.
At Lifestyle Medical Clinic, in addition to including blood glucose tests in our diverse screening packages, we provide continuous glucose monitoring for individuals interested in understanding the influence of their diet, physical activity, stress, and sleep on their blood sugar levels. We take a holistic approach to health and will consider your risk of prediabetes in relation to other health conditions you may have or are at risk of.
Make an appointment with us today.
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