Islets of Hope for persons with prediabetes

Article disclaimer

Article by Lahle Wolfe, 03/25/2006.  For reprint information e-mail Editor@isletsofhope.com

Sources:

American Diabetes Association: What is prediabetes?

NIH Publication:  Insulin Resistance and Pre-diabetes

Prediabetes & Diabetes Prevention Studies & Research

Insulin Resistance and Insulin Resistance Syndrome (IRS)

Metabolic Syndrome (formerly called "Syndrome X" which is now considered outdated) is the same thing as Insulin Resistance Syndrome (IRS)

Confused?  See our Chart Comparison between Insulin Resistance, Insulin Resistance Syndrome (IRS), Prediabetes, Types 1 and 2 Diabetes, and Gestational Diabetes detailing the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of these major metabolic disorders.

Lifestyle Changes -  Diet, Exercise, Sports, Stress Management

Did You Know?

... that an international expert committee of the American Diabetes Association recently redefined the criteria for prediabetes, lowering the blood sugar level cut-off point for pre-diabetes?

Approximately 20% more adults are now believed to have this condition and may develop diabetes within 10 years if they do not exercise or maintain a healthy weight.

The Insulin Resistance Diet
A well-researched health program based on the relationship between insulin and fat.  Read more

Links

NIH DPP Press Release (2002)
Diet and Exercise Delay Diabetes and Normalize Blood Glucose

NIH Insulin Resistance and Pre-Diabetes Information

NIH: Am I at risk for type 2 diabetes?

                        main Medical Information page
Metabolic disorders                                                                                 main Metabolic Disorders page

Causes and risk factors for prediabetes (or, pre-diabetes)
previously known as impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)

Causes of insulin resistance & prediabetes

Who should be tested for insulin resistance and prediabetes?

The New Glucose Revolution Pocket Guide to Metabolic Syndrome
The latest medical research clearly confirms that the glycemic index (GI)—an easy-to-understand ranking of foods based on their effect on blood glucose levels—is vitally important for heart health and the prevention of the Metabolic Syndrome (aka Syndrome X and insulin resistance). Slowly... Read more  

Causes of insulin resistance and prediabetes

Many things can contribute to insulin resistance including obesity, unhealthy eating habits, an inactive lifestyle, high levels of caffeine, certain medications, smoking, and underlying medical problems.  Other things that can contribute to insulin resistance include pregnancy and hormonal imbalances (i.e. Hashimoto's thyroiditis or other hypothyroid problems, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)).

Since insulin resistance, and many of the disorders associated with this condition tend to run in families, genes also play a role in the development of insulin resistance. But it is important to note that studies show simply having the genetic predisposition for insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes is not enough to cause onset.  Many people carry the risk genes for either type 2 or type 1 diabetes and still do not end up becoming diabetic.  Some sort of environmental trigger usually contributes to the onset of both types 1 or 2 diabetes.  In the case of type 2 diabetes the environmental trigger is an unhealthy lifestyle including poor eating habits, too little activity, obesity, and smoking.

Even if you have family members that are insulin resistant, obese, or have type 2 diabetes,  it should be considered a warning sign of potential risk for you, but it does not meant you will become diabetic.  Following a healthy lifestyle will go a long way towards ensuring your own good health.  

Who should be tested for insulin resistance or prediabetes?

You should consider being tested for insulin resistance and prediabetes if:

• You have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), low thyroid levels or antibodies for Hashimoto's thyroiditis, or another autoimmune disorder or metabolic problem
• You had gestational diabetes.  Women that have had gestational diabetes (GD) should be tested once a year because of the increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes after a pregnancy with GD, or if you gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
• If you suddenly being to gain or lose weight
• If you notice skin changes (dark patches in your armpits, groin, nape of neck, inner thighs, or under your breasts)
• If you start to grow facial hair (in women) or dark, thick hair on your stomach
• You are over the age of 45, especially if you are overweight
• Under age 45 if you are overweight and have one or more of the following risk factors:
• Family history of diabetes, thyroid disease, PCOS, or others in your immediate family being diagnosed with any metabolic disorder (including insulin resistance and prediabetes)
• Low HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides
• High blood pressure
• Minority group background (African American, American Indian, Hispanic American/Latino, or Asian American/Pacific Islander)

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Page Updated 09/01/2006