Do I Have Prediabetes?

Clinical Contributor to this blog:

Jessica Yao, M.D., MBA, CHCQM-PHYADV, FAAFP
Chief Medical Officer

Prediabetes is a yellow flag! It means you have a higher-than-normal blood sugar level, but not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes yet. In San Antonio, about 1 in 3 of residents are affected by prediabetes, and 80% may not know it.

Recognizing if you have prediabetes is important for preventing type 2 diabetes.

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Symptoms & Risk Factors

Prediabetes symptoms are not usually obvious. Some symptoms you should be aware of include:

Increased hunger
Increased fatigue
Dark patches on skin (neck, armpits, groin)

Some people are more likely to be diagnosed with prediabetes, based on risk factors out of your control, like age and ethnicity.

Age 45 or older
Family history of diabetes
Gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
Being African American, Hispanic, American Indian, or Alaska Native

And some risk factors are in your control, like if you exercise or use tobacco.

Overweight or unhealthy eating habits
Smoking
Inactive lifestyle
Heavy alcohol consumption
High cholesterol and blood pressure

If you are experiencing symptoms or have multiple risk factors, it’s important to make an appointment with your primary care provider. Even if you have no symptoms, you should still see your doctor annually for a wellness checkup.

Type 2 Diabetes Prevention

If you are prediabetic or think you may be, you CAN avoid type 2 diabetes through making changes in your lifestyle and sometimes, through medication. Early detection and management are key.

Steps to Take:

1. SEE YOUR DOCTOR: To diagnose prediabetes, your doctor may recommend a hemoglobin A1C test (A1C), a common blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels for the past 2 to 3 months. If your A1C is between 5.7 and 6.4, doctors call this “prediabetes.”

2. MAKE LIFESTYLE CHANGES: To lower your chances of getting prediabetes or diabetes, the most important things you can do are to eat a healthier diet and get more physical activity. Be active for 30 minutes a day. You don’t have to go to the gym or do heavy exercise to benefit. Activities like walking, gardening, and dancing can all help improve your health. Quit smoking and drink less alcohol. Ask your doctor about different programs, benefits, and support your health insurance may cover, including nutrition counseling.

3. MONITOR PROGRESS: Track symptoms and get A1C tests as recommended by your doctor to see how well your blood sugar levels are being managed.

Member Support:

Community First Members can access no-cost programs and support that can help you manage your blood sugar, lose weight, and get healthy, including:

Diabetes in Control: Diabetes Management Program: Community First Members who have prediabetes or diabetes are encouraged to join this free health and wellness program where they can learn about diabetes prevention and management, and earn gift cards* for completing education and A1C tests.

Diabetes Garage Workshop Series: A free education series in partnership with San Antonio MetroHealth for males with diabetes to learn how to care for their bodies. Community First Members can earn a loaded toolbox with diabetes care supplies for attending.

YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program: A free program for adults at risk of developing type 2 diabetes to learn about healthier eating and increasing their physical activity. Community First Members get a free 4-month YMCA membership for up to two adults and four children for completing the program.

Let’s work together to fight diabetes!

*Limitations or restrictions may apply. Email healthyhelp@cfhp.com or call 210-358-6055 to speak with a Community First Health Educator.