November is Diabetes Awareness Month, a perfect time to take control of your health. If you have been told you have prediabetes, you might feel worried about what comes next. At Healthy Life Family Medicine in Goodyear, Arizona, Dr. John Monroe and our team are here to help. We provide personalized diabetes management to help you stop this condition from progressing.
Prediabetes is a critical warning sign, but it is also a window of opportunity. It means your blood sugar is higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is also a good reason to pay attention to other health risks, including blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and cardiovascular health.
Yes, prediabetes is reversible with the right steps. Blood sugar can sometimes return to the normal range after a diagnosis of prediabetes, especially when lifestyle and other risk factors improve.
A pooled analysis of prospective cohort studies of 6,861 adults with prediabetes found that those who returned to normal blood sugar levels had a 51% lower risk of later developing type 2 diabetes than those who remained in the prediabetes range.
Returning to a normal blood sugar range does not mean the risk is gone for good. The ADA recommends ongoing monitoring for people with prediabetes because blood sugar can change over time.
Our team in Goodyear, Arizona, helps you track your progress over time. We offer routine blood sugar checks and A1C monitoring to track how your levels change. We also provide comprehensive chronic care to support your overall wellness.
Modest weight loss and regular physical activity are the most powerful tools. For adults with overweight or obesity who are at high risk for type 2 diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends aiming for at least 5% to 7% weight loss along with at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.
Brisk walking is one way to reach that weekly activity goal. Regular physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity and help your body manage blood sugar more effectively.
We can also help you set realistic weight, nutrition, and activity goals based on your health needs. Our providers design a plan that fits your lifestyle and health history. We can also check your blood pressure to monitor your cardiovascular health.
For some people at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, metformin may also be worth considering alongside lifestyle changes. A 2024 analysis of 12 randomized trials found that adding metformin to lifestyle interventions was associated with about a 15% lower risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes compared with lifestyle intervention alone.
Metformin helps lower blood sugar in part by reducing glucose production in the liver. Whether it is appropriate depends on your individual risk factors and health history.
At Healthy Life Family Medicine, we evaluate your unique risk factors to see if medication is right for you. We customize your treatment to give you the best defense. We also offer physical exams to review your overall health.
Do not wait for prediabetes to become a chronic issue. Take action this Diabetes Awareness Month to protect your health. To start your personalized prevention plan, schedule an appointment with our team in Goodyear, Arizona, today.
