Pre-Diabetes (Impaired Fasting Glucose and/or Impaired Glucose Tolerance)

Some of my friends were told by their GPs that they were pre-diabetes which they have never heard of! I personally believe prevention is very important so I like to help you understand what pre-diabetes is and prevent type 2 diabetes possibly as pre-diabetes have the same risk factors as people with type 2 diabetes! Dr Mark Forbes has said in his lectures that we should spend more efforts in finding and treating pre-diabetes. I have obtained Dr Mark Forbes’ permission to quote him. He is the Clinical Director of Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service. He is also an endocrinologist in Gold Coast University Hospital.

How do you know whether you are pre-diabetes? Well, it occur when your blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Even though it is possible to have both conditions, it typically presents as one of the following conditions:

  • Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG) (between 6.1 and 6.9 mmol/L): the blood glucose level is higher than normal after fasting for 8 hours!
  • Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT)(between 7.8 and 11.0 mmol/L): an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test is used to diagnose it & the 2 hour blood test is higher than normal!

I often advise friends and patients that they can reduce their risk of having type 2 diabetes by lifestyle modification such as health eating and regular physical activity.

How do regular physical activity help lowering the risk? My answer is that it helps to lower your blood glucose level by encouraging your body to use insulin more efficiently. I know it is not easy but do try your best to get 30 minutes or more of physical activity on most days of the week. Everyone will benefit from more physical activity.

Please speak with your GP or allied health professionals, such as dietitian and exercise physiologist, for your specific needs.

 

Viv Hsu
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2 responses so far.

  1. Ravi says:

    Interesting read, emphasises the importance of lifestyle modifications in a pre-diabetic status and how it helps your body secrete insulin more efficiently. very clear and concise!

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