Knowing prediabetes status helps to curb future diabetes risk

Patients with fasting blood sugar level at 100-125 mg/dl are considered as pre-diabetic. A recent study found that patients with prediabetes are more likely to play an active role in preventing the onset of future diabetes if they are aware of their risk status.

The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, found that out of nearly 2,700 patients with prediabetes, only about 11% knew about their diagnosis. Patients who were aware of their diagnosis were 50% more likely to engage in lifestyle interventions, for example, moderate physical activity and weight management than the patients who did not know about their prediabetes condition.

"To maximise the impact of physician discussions about prediabetes on reducing the incidence of diabetes, physicians must not only communicate this diagnosis to patients but must do so in a meaningful way," the study said. "Physicians should counsel patients that having prediabetes greatly increases the chances of developing diabetes and has been linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease."

So, consult with your doctor to know your diabetes status and act accordingly.

The article is compiled by Dr Md Shajedur Rahman Shawon, a fellow of Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.

E-mail: dr.shajedur@gmail.com