How to Reverse Prediabetes – Three Things You Need to Know that Your Doctor May Not Have Told You
Do you have prediabetes?
Many people do – but here’s what most don’t know – just because it’s “pre” diabetes doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be concerned.
The unfortunate truth is that prediabetes is serious – one of the most deadly health conditions that put people at the highest risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer, dementia, and early death.
It’s one of those things you thought would never happen to you. Then, when the diagnosis comes, it’s shocking!
Suddenly, this is your reality. The problem is… With so much information out there, it’s confusing on where to begin when addressing your prediabetes. How do you turn back the clock and take back those habits that lead up to this point?
What is Pre-diabetes?
Prediabetes, also known as metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance, is when the blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be in the diabetic range.
And if you have prediabetes, you are not alone. Prediabetes has increased dramatically in recent decades and now affects 38% of adults in the US and 20% of children 12-19 years of age.
Need to Know #1 – Prediabetes is dangerous
You’d probably guess that having prediabetes increases your risk of becoming diabetic – and you’d be right. About 70% of those with prediabetes will eventually develop diabetes – and I probably don’t have to tell you that having diabetes is worrisome.
The health complications of diabetes are frightening. Diabetes doubles the risk for heart attack, stroke, and many cancers. People with diabetes also have four times higher risk for heart failure, an increased risk for dementia, and are at the highest risk for blindness, amputation, and kidney failure.
But the risk doesn’t just begin with becoming diabetic. Prediabetes is alarming because it can progress to diabetes, but it’s more than that.
Research shows that prediabetes is a major risk factor for diseases that end our lives too early, namely, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and dementia.
The point is, if you have prediabetes, the goal is not to just prevent becoming diabetic. The goal is to reverse – cure – prediabetes.
Need to Know #2 – Prediabetes is Reversible
Having prediabetes means you have an unhealthy metabolism – a metabolism that sets you up for heart disease, stroke, cancer, dementia, and early death.
There are four signs of an unhealthy metabolism:
1. High blood sugar levels (diabetes or prediabetes)
2. Unhealthy weight (particularly around the midsection)
3. High blood pressure
4. Unhealthy cholesterol levels
And the proven ways to heal your metabolism – cure prediabetes – start with six tools for optimal health:
1. Regular physical activity
2. Healthy nutrition
3. Restorative sleep
4. Managing stress
5. Staying connected
6. Avoiding toxins – like tobacco and excess alcohol
When you’ve optimized these six tools to the best of your ability – THEN consider medications.
Need to Know #3 – Curing Prediabetes has Remarkable Benefits
Unhealthy metabolism is the leading cause of death and disability in the world – the biggest driver of the epidemics of chronic illness that are affecting billions of people.
But if you have an unhealthy metabolism – if you have prediabetes – here’s what is critical to know if your goal is a long, vital life.
Healing your metabolism needs to be your highest priority. Here’s why:
Healing your metabolism lowers your risk of:
· 80% less heart attacks
· 81% less fatty liver
· 78% less heart failure
· 50% less strokes
· 62% less kidney failure
· 57% less atrial fibrillation
· 37% less dementia
· 33% less cancer
· Add 12 or more vital, healthy years
If you have prediabetes – if you have an unhealthy metabolism – the most essential thing to do is:
Lower your risk for heart attack, stroke, dementia, cancer, becoming diabetic, and early death.
And the most effective way to lower your risk is to focus on the ten factors that most powerfully predict your health and longevity that you have control over – what I call the Healthspan 10.
1.Normal blood pressure
2.Healthy cholesterol levels
3.Normal blood sugar levels
4.Healthy weight
5.Be physically active
6.Healthy nutrition
7.Avoid toxins
8.Sleep
9.Manage stress
10.Stay Connected
And if you’d like expert guidance on curing your prediabetes – and healing your metabolism – and reducing the risk of heart disease by 80% – and adding 12 or more years to life – then we should talk because that’s what we do at HealthspanMD.
We help people who are at risk for heart disease get clear on where they are right now, what they need to do – and how – to optimize the ten factors that give them the best chance to avoid heart disease, but also stroke, cancer, dementia, and early death.
Schedule a strategy consultation(opens in a new tab) with us to learn more about how we can help you.
Lead the best life,
- R. Todd Hurst, MD, FACC, FASE
