Prediabetes vs Type 2 Diabetes: Distinguishing Factors

There are a number of factors on which we can distinguish Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes. These factors help to diagnose both the conditions clearly so that it becomes easier to control them. Let’s see some of the major differentiating factors between Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes.

Blood Sugar Levels

This is the prime differentiating factor through which we can label a person’s condition as normal or Prediabetes or Type 2 Diabetes.

• Prediabetes: In this condition, the blood sugar level is higher than normal but not as high as to be termed as Type 2 Diabetes.
• Type 2 Diabetes: When a person’s blood sugar level is high enough to be diagnosed as Diabetes.

Symptoms

The mild symptoms of Type 2 diabetes can be seen in Prediabetes but most of the times there are no symptoms. This is how one can differentiate Prediabetes from Type 2 Diabetes based on the symptoms they show. Thus, it is recommended to go through regular diabetes check-up for screening your blood sugar levels.

• Prediabetes: People suffering from Prediabetes often show no symptoms at all and it can only be diagnosed through a blood test for measuring blood sugar levels.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Usually, a “Sugar Disease” like Diabetes doesn’t depict any kind of symptoms but people suffering from Type 2 Diabetes often experience increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, tiredness and fatigue along with a few other symptoms.

Risk of Progression

The main distinguish factor between Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes is risk of progression.

• Prediabetes: In case, it is not treated well or no medication is taken to control it, then the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes increases. The other major risks associated with Prediabetes are heart disease and stroke.
• Type 2 Diabetes: It is quite more dangerous than Prediabetes in terms of risk factors and long term complications associated with it. If it is poorly managed or not controlled within time then it can lead to serious health complications such as kidney failure, nerve damage, heart attack, blindness, stroke, dementia and several other infections.

Haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) Test

It is a common blood test to estimate the average blood sugar levels in the body (past 2 to 3 months) to diagnose both Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes.

• Normal: Below 5.7%
• Prediabetes:5.7% to 6.4%
• Type 2 Diabetes:6.5% or Higher

The percentage shows the amount of glucose (sugar levels) glycated (bound) to haemoglobin in the red blood cells.

Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG Test)

This is the major differentiator through which we can classify both the conditions. Usually, the fasting plasma glucose level should be less than 100 mg/dl for a normal well-being when tested through a Fasting Plasma Glucose test.

• Prediabetes: If the fasting plasma glucose level is lower than 126 mg/dl but more than 100 mg/dl then a person is said to be diagnosed with Prediabetes. Basically, it is in between 100 to 125 mg/dl in this condition.
• Type 2 Diabetes: If the fasting plasma glucose level is 126 mg/dl or higher, a person is said to have Type 2 Diabetes and necessary measures must have taken to control it.

Treatment

Treatment for both the conditions differs to a certain extent. Although some treatment methods such as a change in lifestyle, regular exercise as well as diet plan are necessary for both, but medication can differ.

• Insulin injections can be prescribed for Type 2 Diabetes but it is not needed for people with Prediabetes.
• Since the blood sugar level is lower in Prediabetes than in Type 2 Diabetes, the treatment mode and techniques relatively differ for both of them.

But as the nature of diagnosis is similar in both, some of the treatment prescribed by the doctor can be similar in some cases.

What is Diabetes mellitus?

Diabetes is basically a metabolic disorder that is often caused by an increase in blood sugar level or blood pressure. The disease is non-infectious but may turn out to be hereditary in some cases. If a patient is not given a proper Diabetes treatment, it may lead to multiple organ failures or many other complications in patient’s body.

A diabetic patient must take care of the food diet and often avoid too much sugary food. The food that contains an excess of carbohydrates/starch or sugar is unhealthy for a diabetic patient.

Diabetes symptoms are often detected at early stages. So, the treatment must be started there and then to avoid any medical complications. The doctors must recommend a diabetic diet plan to the patient. Go ahead to learn how is Diabetes caused and what can be done to cure Diabetes.

History of Diabetes mellitus

The origin of the word “Diabetes mellitus” and its history is quite fascinating. Diabetes was one of the first diseases to be described through Egyptian manuscript from 1500BC with mentioned ‘too great emptying of the urine’. This case was believed to be Type 1 Diabetes. The Indian physicians around the same time also identified this disease. They named it as ‘Madhumeha’ or ‘Honey Urine’ as the ‘urine of diabetic patient attracted ants’.

The term – “Diabetes” or “to pass through” was used in 250BC by a Greek Apollonius of Memphis. The Indian physicians – ‘Charaka’ and ‘Sushruta’ discovered Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes to be the separate conditions between 400 to 500AD. Diabetes Type 1 was associated with youth while Type 2 Diabetes was associated with obesity. The term “Mellitus” was added to Diabetes by Thomas Willis in late 16^th century, as he coined it from ‘Honey’.

What are the Main Causes of Diabetes mellitus (DM)?

The main causes of diabetes are varying which depends on your genes, family history, ethnicity, health, and environmental factors. There are no common causes of Diabetes mellitus that might fit every type of diabetes. The reason why there are no particular causes of Diabetes is only that it depends on the individuals.

Still, we can accommodate some of the common causes of Diabetes that are seen in most of the cases. The long bacterial infection, the chemical toxin in food, unidentified component causing an autoimmune reaction, poor diet, obesity, increasing age is among few of the causes of Diabetes.

What are the Common Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes?

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder, so it is obvious to observe the common signs and symptoms of Diabetes in a diabetic patient. These signs and symptoms help to identify this chronic condition at an early stage in order to reduce its impact. If you are feeling these signs and symptoms in your body, then you must consult a ‘General Physician’ in order to cure Diabetes.

Though the symptoms of Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 Diabetes are a bit different, but we have clubbed a few of them together as these signs of diabetes are common in most of the patients.

• Constant Thirst
• Too Frequent Urination
• Bedwetting in Children
• Unexplained Weight Loss
• Unexplained Weight Gain
• Increased Hunger
• Blurry Vision
• Nausea
• Frequent Infections
• Feeling Tired
• Wounds don’t Heal easily
• Numbness in Hands or Feet
• Regular Irritation & Mood Changes

Major Types of Diabetes

There are two major types of Diabetes that are often found in a diabetic patient. The first is Type 1 Diabetes, commonly found in youth while the second one is Type 2 Diabetes, commonly found in people above 35 years of age. Though, there are patients suffering from Gestational Diabetes. Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes is very common Diabetes types found in most of the diabetic patients.

Type 1 Diabetes

It is caused due to immune system failure where the immune system itself destroys the body cells in the pancreas which produce insulin. It is basically the autoimmune reaction where the body is attacking itself. Type 1 Diabetes is commonly observed in children and youth.

Type 2 Diabetes

It is often caused due to the involvement of multiple factors causing diabetes. Often the family history and genes lead to Type 2 Diabetes. It is commonly found in people above 35 years old age group.

Gestational Diabetes mellitus

Most of the women in the 24^th week of their pregnancy develop Gestational Diabetes. This doesn’t mean that they had Diabetes before the pregnancy or they will have it after giving birth. It is the phase which can be neutralized easily with doctor’s mere advice.

Is there a Cure for Diabetes?

Now, the common question arises here – ‘Is there a Cure for Diabetes’?

Yes, there is a cure for Diabetes – both through natural and Allopathic treatment. Being physically active is one of the ultimate solutions to cure Diabetes and prevent it from expanding.

• Diabetic Diet: A diabetic patient must prepare a nutritional diet for Diabetes so that adequate amount of food nutrients are consumed and blood sugar levels are maintained. A diabetic diet includes nutrient-rich foods, healthy fats (nuts), complex carbohydrates, fibre-rich foods and lean protein sources.
• Antidiabetic Plants and Herbs: These are commonly used to control Diabetes by lowering down the blood sugar levels to normal, increasing insulin secretion and improving the function of beta cells. One can even cure Diabetes at home by eating these medicinal plants and herbs in an appropriate portion on a regular basis.
• Yoga and Exercise: Yoga is also considered as the natural cure for Diabetes. Yoga is the ancient art form that originated in India and now has spread throughout the world because of its power to heal the diseases, let them be metabolic or life threatening. There are different yoga exercises that must be done by diabetic patient regularly to stay fit and control the low blood sugar levels developed due to Diabetes.
• Healthy Fruits: The best way to control Diabetes is adding healthy fruits in the diet chart. The fruits that have a low Glycaemic Index level, high in nutritional values and are rich in antioxidants are extremely beneficial for the people suffering from Diabetes.

Note: It is important to note that a diabetic patient must not consume fruit juice as it can spike the blood sugar levels.

The Treatment Methods for Diabetes

As discussed earlier, doing regular physical activity is the ultimate treatment for diabetes. Though Diabetes is a chronic condition and is really difficult to be cured, but it can be controlled to a large extent.

A regular physical activity is advisable to the diabetic patient because its helps the body to use insulin in a better way. The insulin released by the body converts glucose into energy, which is required by the body cells to function properly.

People suffering from Type 1 Diabetes need to take insulin injections on a regular basis. Some patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are also recommended to take these insulin injections. Generally, the patients suffering from Type 2 diabetes are advised to take oral medicines that help their body produce an adequate amount of insulin.

There are people, who are able to control Type 2 Diabetes without medication by taking the adequate diabetic diet. Type 2 Diabetes diet must be planned in such a way that the right amount of food is taken at the right time of the day. So, it is advised to concern an expert for preparing your meal chart if you are suffering from diabetes Type 2.

A pregnant woman must include healthy foods and high protein snacks in their pregnancy diet if she is suffering from Gestational Diabetes. The ideal diet plan helps her in managing blood sugar levels and ensuring appropriate & healthy weight gain during pregnancy. It also reduces the risks and complications for both mother and baby.

Medical Advice to Diabetic Patients

It is highly recommended to people suffering from Diabetes to consult a renowned Diabetologist after every six months in order to control the blood sugar levels in a better way. They must also do regular blood test every week by using a Diabetes starter kit.

The Diabetes starter kit has all the necessary tools for easy testing of blood glucose levels. In this way, the patient can stay informed about any rise or downfall in blood glucose level. One can also buy a Diabetes checking machine (Glucometer) for regular monitoring of blood sugar levels at home.

Here are certain things that are advised to a diabetic patient and the patient must follow this advice sincerely to avoid any complications in near future.

• Avoid eating food with access to sugar content except for fruits.
• A diabetic patient must concern a Diabetes specialist half yearly.
• A diabetic patient must concern a dietitian for a proper diabetic meal plan.
• An exercise physiologist must be concerned to teach the exercises to boost the physical activity.
• An eye specialist must be concerned if you start seeing the things with blur.
• Keep a regular check on normal blood sugar level and you must keep it under control.

Other Problems that might be the Result of Diabetes

Diabetes might bring many other complications or health problems with it if not looked after carefully. It is really necessary to maintain the blood glucose levels to normal. Some of the problems that might be faced by diabetic patient if he/she is not keeping a check on blood glucose level are:

• Heart Attacks
• Kidney Failure
• Blindness
• Blood Vessel Disease
• Strokes
• Nerve Damage
• Impotency in Men

According to a study conducted throughout the world for over 10 years, it was revealed that if people maintain their blood sugar level close to normal, they can surely reduce the risk of adopting these health problems to about 50%.

Prevention of Diabetes

One of the hard to digest facts about Diabetes is that you cannot prevent it. A study recently revealed that nearly 70% of world population is prone to have Diabetes. No research has ever claimed it that prevention of Diabetes is possible. It is always better for you to understand and ignore common myths and misconceptions about Diabetes.

Though, the onset of Diabetes may be delayed in the adults who are at really high risk of getting this disease. But as the technology is advancing, the ways have been innovated to control Diabetes and the day is near when doctors will be able to treat the diabetic patient successfully so that he/she never develops Diabetes again.