What is prediabetes and how to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes?

If you’ve thought that diabetes is only a concern for overweight people, it’s time to bust that myth. Diabetes and its precursor — prediabetes — do not depend on weight, age, or gender. In fact, warning signs often go unnoticed in slim people, as the “typical” symptoms are not always easy to spot at first.

Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
It’s a sneaky condition because symptoms may be absent or barely noticeable. Thirst, fatigue, frequent urination, or blurred vision may seem ordinary but can actually indicate a more serious problem.

Check yourself before the disease starts controlling you!

Thousands of people in Estonia don’t know that their blood sugar is too high. Timely action can change everything — prediabetes can be reversed if the right lifestyle changes are made.

Common symptoms that may indicate prediabetes:

Frequent urination – the body signals that insulin production is impaired.
Constant thirst and dry mouth – frequent urination leads to increased thirst and dry mouth.
Blurred vision – high blood sugar can cause swelling in different layers of the eye, affecting sharpness of vision.
Weight loss – if insulin production is impaired, not enough energy reaches the cells, causing the body to use its “reserves.”
Constant fatigue – there may be many causes, but diabetes and fatigue are strongly linked. When the body cannot effectively use its energy stores due to insulin issues, we feel tired even after a full night’s sleep.

What can you do today?

• If you suspect your blood sugar is off, be sure to contact your family doctor.
• Measure your blood sugar using a glucometer or a modern glucose monitor, such as the LinX CGM device, which allows convenient and accurate tracking.
• Change your eating habits. Prefer low-carb, high-fiber foods, and avoid overly processed foods and sugary drinks.
• Exercise regularly. Daily movement helps the body use insulin more effectively. Whether it’s walking, cycling, or group training, all movement helps. Keep in mind, though, that every body responds differently — strength training may temporarily raise blood sugar, while cardio may lower it.
• Watch your sleep and stress levels. Late eating, lack of sleep, and stress also negatively affect blood sugar.

Health is not determined by genes alone

Although predisposition plays a role, lifestyle affects our health by as much as 80%. You are in control of your health! Keeping a food diary, regularly monitoring blood sugar, and changing daily habits can help prevent serious health problems.

Don’t wait until the problem gets worse — with awareness and monitoring, you can prevent prediabetes from developing into type 2 diabetes.
Get the LinX glucose monitor: www.glukoosimonitor.ee