Pre-diabetic care specifically refers to a wide range of lifestyle and medical inventions that are aimed at preventing the advancement from pre-diabetes to type 2 diabetes. Pre-diabetes is known to be a particular condition where the blood glucose level of your body remains higher than the normal limit but not yet high enough that can be classified as type 2 diabetes. Pre diabetic care Douala service encompasses a wide range of medical, support interventions and educational assistance that are specifically tailored to the specific needs of pre-diabetic patients.
Key Components of Effective Pre Diabetic Care Douala Service
Lifestyle Shuffle
Proper Diet
Adopting a balanced and healthy diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. It reduces the intake of refined carbs, sugars, and saturated fats which is crucial for controlling blood glucose levels.
Proper Weight Management
Losing your excess weight, especially your abdominal fat is very crucial. If you can lose at least 5-7% of your body weight, it would significantly lessen the risk of developing diabetes.
Adequate Physical Activity
Engaging in regular physical activity, i.e. 150 minutes of moderate-level exercise per week will help you improve your insulin sensitivity and maintain a healthy body weight.
Monitoring and Medical Interventions
Proper Medications
When adequate exercise is not possible then healthcare providers prescribe medications like metformin that help control blood glucose levels. It is possible especially when lifestyle change alone can affect controlling glucose levels.
Regular Screening
Do regular blood tests that will help you to monitor your blood glucose levels. It includes fasting blood glucose and HbA1c that track your blood glucose level for the last three months and take timely action.
Support and Education
Support Systems
Pre diabetic care Douala allows you to access various support groups or counseling that help maintain lifestyle changes and address psychological and emotional aspects during pre-diabetes management.
Health Education
It teaches people about pre-diabetes, various management strategies, risk factors associated with it, etc through various counseling sessions and educational programs.
Various Symptoms Associated with Pre-Diabetes
According to pre diabetic care Douala experts, pre-diabetes does not have any noticeable symptoms, making it difficult to identify without proper screening methods. However, we have mentioned some of the signs and risk factors that suggest the presence of diabetes within you. These include –
- Frequent Urination: Need to urinate more than usual, especially at night.
- Increased Hunger: here, people will experience more hunger than usual even after having adequate food.
- Fatigue: It makes you feel more tired than usual time even after taking adequate rest.
- Increased Thirst: it makes you feel unusually thirsty. It can be a sign of elevated blood glucose levels.
- Slow Healing: if you face any kind of cut or bruise, notice it will heal very slowly.
- Darkened Skin: developing diabetes in your body spreads dark, velvet patches on the skin. It is usually found in the neck, groin, armpit, etc.
- Blurred Vision: It enhances occasional blurred vision. It is a sign of fluctuating blood sugar levels.
- Sudden Weight Loss: losing body weight drastically without even trying, although this is more common in diabetes than pre-diabetes stage.
Healthy Eating Tips for Pre-Diabetic Patients
According to pre diabetic care Douala experts, maintaining healthy eating is very crucial for managing pre-diabetes and mitigating the progression of type 2 diabetes. Below, we have mentioned some of the effective tips for diabetes patients:
Balancing Your Plate
- According to the pre diabetic care Douala professionals, always include a wide variety of foods in your meal. It ensures your meal is a mixture of lean proteins, healthy fats, vegetables, etc that are required for your body.
- Fill half part of your plate with non-starchy vegetables, such as – peppers, tomatoes, leafy green vegetables, broccoli, etc.
- Take a quarter of your plate for lean protein, i.e. fish, chicken, beans, tofu, etc.
- Take another quarter of your plate for whole-grain foods, like – quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, etc.
Prefer Consuming Whole Grains
- Always choose whole grains instead of refined grains. Whole grains contain more amount of fiber and nutrients. It will help you control your blood glucose levels.
- Include brown rice, oats, barley, whole wheat, quinoa, and other whole-grain bread in your meal.
Mix Healthy Fats
- Avoids limit saturated fats and trans fats that are found in various fried foods, fatty meats, baked goods, etc.
- Include various sources of healthy fats like – nuts, olive oils, seeds, avocadoes, etc.
Pay Heed to Carbohydrate Intake
- Pay special heed to portion sizes and the specific types of carbohydrates that you consume
- Try to incorporate complex carbohydrates i.e. legumes, vegetables, whole grains, etc over sugars and refined carbs i.e. sugary drinks, bread, and pastries.
Eat Adequate Amount of Fiber
- Consuming foods with high-fiber foods helps control your blood glucose levels and maintain a healthy body weight.
- Always include vegetables, whole grains, fruits, etc in your diet.
Limit Yourself from Beverages and Sugary Foods
- Avoids consuming candies, sweets, and desserts that are high in sugar
- Rely on natural sweeteners in moderate amounts, such as – stevia or a small amount of honey
- Eliminate all sugary drinks like – fruit juices, sodas, sweetened teas, etc.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
- Try to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the whole day
- Avoid consuming sugary drinks and opt for black coffee, herbal teas, water, etc.
Limit Your Alcohol Intake
- If you are a regular drinker, try to put a curb on it, by taking it in moderate amount
- Be mindful of the carbohydrate content in alcoholic beverages and these are affecting your blood sugar levels.
Mindful Eating
- Always listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues in order to avoid overeating
- Always try to eat slowly and savor each bite properly.
Control Estimate Sizes
- Always use smaller plates and bowls for control portions
- Measure your servings and make sure that you are eating appropriate amounts.
When Medication is Necessary for Pre-Diabetic Care?
While you are dealing with pre-diabetes, you must consider certain criteria for medications and they must be followed in specific conditions, such as –
Incompetence to Achieve Targeted Blood Glucose Levels via Lifestyle Changes: If after six months of intensive lifestyle changes i.e. weight loss, exercise, diet, etc, your blood glucose level does not change and remain high, then you need to rely on medications according to the recommendation of experts.
High Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes: People with significantly high blood glucose levels are more prone to diabetes, where, the blood glucose level remains within 110-125 mg/dL or A1c 6.0-6.4%. Such persons require immediate medication to prevent their further progress.
Rapid Deranging of Blood Glucose Levels: If you find your blood glucose level increases rapidly despite medications or lifestyle changes, you need to take the necessary steps to repose them immediately.
Presence of Various Risk Factors: People with exceeding risk factors, such as – high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, or the presence of gestational diabetes can benefit from early medical intervention.
What are the Benefits of Medication in Pre Diabetes Care Douala?
Early prevention and medication can offer a wide range of benefits in the treatment of diabetes, these include –
- It helps prevent type 2 diabetes by lessening the risk factors
- Early detection and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can maintain your blood glucose levels.
- It provides additional support in achieving the desired goals
- A thorough assessment is determined by an individual’s overall health, considering risk factors and potential benefits of medications.
- Pre diabetic care Douala offers education and support by ensuring individuals understand how to handle potential side effects and medications,
Conclusion
In conclusion, pre diabetic care Douala is a critical intervention that significantly impacts your health by preventing the progression of type 2 diabetes and lessening the risk factors associated with various complications. In urban cities like Douala, lifestyle factors, including proper diet and adequate levels of physical activity play a significant role in preventing pre-diabetes. An effective diabetes management plan includes a combination of early detection via a regular screening process, comprehensive lifestyle changes and if necessary taking proper medication. Specific strategies included in pre diabetic care Douala include adopting a balanced diet that is rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins besides doing regular exercise that improves insulin sensitivity and promotes weight loss. Adequate sleep and stress management also play a significant role in managing pre-diabetes. Individuals with higher risk or who are unable to achieve glycemic control via lifestyle changes alone need immediate medication and access to necessary tools to manage blood sugar levels.
Don’t wait a lot until it is too late and enroll in our comprehensive management program in Douala. Our program includes medical supply assistance and guidance, advocacy initiatives, emotional support, and a lot more. For more information, visit our Home page and know everything in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions on Pre Diabetic Care Douala
Q1. How can you diagnose pre-diabetes?
A1. To diagnose pre-diabetes, you need to go through blood tests, including –
- Hemoglobin A1c Test – Here, the hemoglobin level must be within 5.7% to 6.6%
- Fasting Plasma Glucose or FPG Test: it checks the fasting blood sugar level and its limit remains between 100 and 125 mg/dL
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test or OGTT: It checks the blood glucose level after consuming or drinking a sugary drink or food and its limit must remain between 140 and 199.
Q2. Which lifestyle changes can help you prevent or reverse pre-diabetes condition?
A2. Several lifestyle changes can help you prevent the pre-diabetes condition, including – focusing on maintaining a balanced diet that is rich in vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and lean proteins. Do regular exercise, it must be at least 150 minutes from moderate to intensity in a week. Try to lose weight and it has proved to be helpful for significantly reducing the risk. Avoid smoking and drinking which can significantly impact your health.
Q3. Do medications help in managing pre-diabetes?
A3. Though lifestyle changes are the first line of defense, still medications like – metformin are prescribed by doctors for individuals who are at high risk of developing type 1 or type 2 diabetes, when they are unable to manage their blood glucose levels via lifestyle changes alone.
Q4. How can someone with pre-diabetes monitor their blood glucose levels?
A4. The frequency of monitoring blood glucose levels largely varies and it is done through regular check-ups by healthcare providers. Patients with pre-diabetes need to check in every 3 to 6 months and it is recommended to track the blood glucose level and adjust the care plan according to the requirement.
Q5. What should you do if you suspect pre-diabetes?
A5. If you suspect pre-diabetes, you must consult with a renowned healthcare provider for appropriate testing and discuss with him or her a comprehensive care plan that includes necessary medications, lifestyle changes, etc.
Q6. What will be the long-term complications if you can’t manage pre-diabetes through lifestyle changes or medications?
A6. If pre-diabetes can’t be managed via lifestyle changes or medications, it can progress to type 2 diabetes automatically, and it is directly connected with various complications like – heart disease, kidney failure or various diseases related to it, stroke, vision problems, and damage of nerves.