Prediabetes is a Major Yet Unexpected Threat to Women

46081171 - close-up of young happy woman checking glucose level with glucometerAs a woman, you know the importance of taking certain steps to safeguard your health as you get older. Visit the gynecologist, suffer through a mammogram, feel for breast lumps in the shower, wear sunscreen, and the list goes on. But have you ever considered the threat posed to your health by prediabetes? Most women haven’t, which makes it the heart danger hiding in plain sight.

What Is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes isn’t a disease itself; it isn’t like breast cancer or heart disease. Instead, it’s a major warning sign that your blood sugar level is higher than normal, which means that type 2 diabetes is lurking around the corner.

Though prediabetes is not type 2 diabetes itself, prediabetes is known to trigger the beginning of the heart, blood vessel, and kidney damage associated with full-blown diabetes. As a result, undiagnosed prediabetes means that long-term damage is already underway in your body without you being any wiser.

How Can You Recognize Prediabetes?
Unfortunately, prediabetes is a silent, invisible threat. It offers very few clues or symptoms to help you realize what’s happening. For this reason, it is essential that you are informed about your family history and genetics. This will help you determine whether you are already at an increased risk of developing diabetes. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, have excess fat on your abdomen, or are over the age of 45, your risk of developing diabetes is also higher.

Good News! Prediabetes Can Be Reversed

Don’t worry, the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes is not guaranteed. Since type 2 diabetes is known to cause high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, and amputations, addressing your prediabetes and regaining your health should be a top priority.

Fortunately, eliminating prediabetes is simple! Adopt healthier eating habits, get more exercise, and lose extra weight. The only tools you need are dedication and the support of your cardiologist. At Cardiovascular Solutions Institute in Bradenton and Sarasota, Florida, Dr. Gino Sedillo can provide all of the help you need to protect and maintain your heart health. Call (941) 747-8789 now to make your appointment and stop prediabetes before it becomes something worse.