Prediabetes treatment

Prediabetes is a precursor for type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a disease in which your body can't make enough insulin, or your body is unable to properly use the insulin it makes. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body to control the level of sugar in your blood.

If your body can't use its insulin properly, glucose (sugar) builds up in your blood instead of being used for energy. This excess sugar in your blood causes problems and can lead to serious health complications.

It's important take a prediabetes diagnosis seriously because some long-term complications associated with diabetes—such as heart disease—may begin during prediabetes.

Preventing type 2 diabetes

The good news is that more than half of people with prediabetes can delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Taking steps now to improve your lifestyle can make a huge difference and lead to a healthier future.

If you've been diagnosed with prediabetes, reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by:

• following a healthy diet (see Canada's Food Guide)
• exercising regularly (start slowly and increase to 150 minutes per week)
• losing weight (losing five to 10 per cent of your total weight is all you need to make a huge difference)

Every effort counts

Making healthy changes will take some time, and that's okay. It's best to start with small changes instead of trying to change everything all at once.

If you haven't been physically active, start with a 10 minute walk three times a week. It's also good to choose new activities and foods that you'll enjoy.

Look for ways to make your meals healthier by adding more vegetables to your plate, cooking meals at home more often, choosing whole grain foods, drinking water instead of soda or juice and being mindful of portion sizes.