What Is Borderline Diabetes?

Borderline diabetes, often called pre-diabetes, is a common condition in the United States. Our sedentary lifestyle, bad eating habits and doctors' increased awareness of diabetes will likely lead to more Americans receiving this diagnosis. However, if your doctor has diagnosed you with borderline diabetes or pre-diabetes, stay positive. This diagnosis does not mean you are destined for insulin injections or for developing common illnesses associated with diabetes. By making changes to your lifestyle, you may be able to avoid serious complications.

Identification

Borderline diabetics have blood sugar readings higher than normal but lower than diabetics' readings. For example, according to the American Diabetes Association, normal fasting blood sugar is lower than 100 mg/dl. A glucose level between 100 and 125 indicates pre-diabetes.

Effects

Symptoms of borderline diabetes may be mild and go unnoticed until borderline diabetes turns into full-blown Type 2 diabetes. Alternatively, symptoms may be as severe as diabetes. Borderline diabetics may experience fatigue, increased thirst, hunger, mood swings, blurred vision and increased urination (both frequency and output). In addition, you may have wounds that heal more slowly and you may be prone to yeast or other opportunistic infections.

Time Frame

Borderline diabetes and Type 2 diabetes do not appear overnight. A consistently poor diet and sedentary lifestyle predisposes anyone to develop diabetes.
Once your doctor diagnoses you with this condition, he may urge you to check your blood sugar daily (at least) until it is under better control. How quickly you will be able to stabilize your blood sugar levels depends on your genetics, diet and general physical health. Some people experience a positive change in as little as a month.

Prevention/Solution

Prevent diabetes by following a diabetic diet and getting appropriate exercise for your physical condition. Losing extra pounds sometimes prevents diabetes. Even when weight loss does not entirely prevent diabetes, losing those extra pounds may prevent you from having to go on insulin or from developing serious complications associated with diabetes.

Warning

Diabetes can lead to vision problems, kidney disease, heart disease and other life-threatening illnesses. If your doctor has diagnosed you with borderline diabetes/pre-diabetes, consider it a timely warning. You have the chance to change your lifestyle and possibly avoid serious complications.

Considerations

Exercise is very important for diabetics because, among other things, exercise lowers blood sugar naturally.
Not all medical professionals like the terms "borderline diabetes" or "pre-diabetes." Some feel that either one is diabetic or one is not and that there is no in between. Either way, high glucose levels cause health problems and should be taken seriously.