Lifestyle Recommendations for Prediabetic Patients

Primary care physician Dr. Rex Mahnensmith has provided patient-centered treatment and preventative care at hospitals and medical centers in North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. In his current role as an internal medicine physician at StayWell Health Center in Waterbury, Connecticut, Dr. Rex Mahnensmith administers diagnostic tests for common metabolic conditions such as prediabetes. 

Patients with elevated baseline blood sugar levels are categorized as prediabetic. However, they are also at increased risk of developing heart disease, organ failure, and other chronic conditions. Blood sugar can often be reduced to normal levels through the following lifestyle changes:

- Lose weight. Prediabetic patients who are overweight or obese can reduce their likelihood of developing diabetes by losing as little as 5 percent of their body weight. This type of weight loss is achievable by starting a regular exercise routine and limiting high-fat foods.

- Schedule follow-ups. Developing healthy habits can take a lot of willpower and guidance. Patients should work closely with their physicians to monitor their progress through quarterly or bi-annual check-ups. 

- Get rest. Poor sleep quality is often associated with health conditions that exacerbate prediabetes, including obesity and impaired insulin production. In addition to establishing a healthy sleep routine and limiting caffeine before bedtime, patients should be screened for disorders such as sleep apnea.