Yes, prediabetes can often be reversed, returning blood sugar levels to a normal range, by making significant lifestyle changes like adopting a healthier diet, increasing physical activity, losing weight, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep; these actions improve insulin sensitivity and can prevent or delay the progression to Type 2 diabetes.
Treatment
For some people with prediabetes, early treatment as well as moderate lifestyle changes can actually return blood glucose (blood sugar) levels to a normal range, effectively preventing or delaying type 2 diabetes.
For some patients, a return to normal blood sugar levels may come over a few months, while for others, it may take years. "We repeat the A1C test with our prediabetes patients every three or six months, so we can monitor their progress in getting those A1C levels down," Harper says.
It's not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes yet. But without lifestyle changes, adults and children with prediabetes are at high risk to develop type 2 diabetes. If you have prediabetes, the long-term damage of diabetes — especially to your heart, blood vessels and kidneys — may already be starting.
The window of opportunity to prevent or slow the progression of prediabetes to type 2 diabetes is about three to six years. Make sure you take the following steps to be on the right path to fight prediabetes and take the appropriate steps to lower your blood sugar level.
Avoiding excessive intake of added sugars by limiting sugary beverages, cakes, cookies, candy and snacks. Limiting portion sizes of refined carbohydrate foods such as white bread, white rice and white pasta.
The Early Warning Signs
Prediabetes is a condition that occurs when blood sugar levels are above normal but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. Since intermittent fasting can improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity, it can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes in some people with prediabetes.
Poor sleep quality was related to glucose intolerance in people with prediabetes. C-reactive protein was greater in subjects with prediabetes compared to those with normal glucose tolerance. There was a positive correlation between sleep disturbance and C-reactive protein levels in subjects with prediabetes.
Maruthur says it is not always clear why some people develop prediabetes and others do not. “We know that body weight, diet and physical activity play a role,” she says. “There may be a genetic link, also, since people with prediabetes often have family members with type 2 diabetes.”
NCT00004992) repository [5–7] that lifestyle-induced weight loss of >5% (including through dietary counselling and increased physical exercise) led to a remission of prediabetes to normal glucose regulation in 43% of participants, and provided these patients with a 73% relative reduction in the risk of developing type ...
Medication for prediabetes
If dietary and lifestyle changes aren't helping to reduce your blood sugar levels, and you are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, your doctor may prescribe medication to delay the progression to diabetes. This could include drugs such as metformin or weight loss medications.
In summary, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, low-to moderate-load resistance training and the combination of both have beneficial effects on glycemic control, weight loss, and cardiovascular health in patients with prediabetes.
Nutrition is one of the most powerful tools to reversing prediabetes. Here's how: Prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods: Nutrient-rich whole foods like vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats play a crucial role in stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Prediabetes is a serious health condition. People with prediabetes have higher blood sugar than normal, but not high enough yet for a diabetes diagnosis. Prediabetes puts you at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
The best way to treat — and potentially reverse — prediabetes is through healthy lifestyle changes. Regularly eating nutritious foods and getting regular exercise can help return your blood sugar to healthy levels and prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes.
Doctors are cautious about intermittent fasting (IF) due to potential risks like increased cardiovascular death (especially with <8hr windows), hormonal issues for women, muscle/bone loss, side effects (fatigue, headaches), risks for specific groups (diabetics, pregnant/elderly), and the lack of long-term data, with some studies showing similar benefits to general calorie restriction or suggesting risks that outweigh benefits, urging personalized medical advice.
For those with prediabetes, avoiding certain high-sugar and processed foods can make a significant difference in preventing diabetes. Replace foods like sweetened cereals and sugary drinks with nutrient-rich options like whole grains and unsweetened beverages, and you'll help keep your blood sugar levels steady.
Symptoms of hyperglycaemia
Without taking action, many people with prediabetes could develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years.
A recent international study across 42 adults (overweight with either prediabetes or type 2 diabetes) showed that eating one large egg per day led to a significant 4.4% reduction in fasting blood sugar, in addition to an overall improvement in insulin sensitivity, compared with that of an egg substitute.
A reduced amount of “extras”, including;
Fatigue or weakness
Are you feeling more tired than usual in your daily life, despite getting more sleep? This may be a sign of prediabetes. You may also experience an overall feeling of weakness. If you have any of these signs, reach out to your health care provider to get your blood glucose levels checked.