Denton County Living Well Magazine January/February 2017 | Page 19

( aka Abnormal Glucose Levels )

What You Need to Know About Pre-Diabetes

( aka Abnormal Glucose Levels )

Pre-Diabetes is a condition that develops prior to insulin and noninsulin dependent diabetes . Diabetes is a disease in which the blood glucose ( sugar ) levels are too high because the body is unable to metabolize the sugar and use it properly . In Pre-Diabetes , a person ’ s blood sugar levels are higher than normal but are not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes . Diabetes is a chronic ( persistent and lasting disease ) that can be managed once you have it . For that reason it is even more important to prevent it if you can , via losing weight , reducing your caloric intake and increasing your physical activity , to name a few .

Diabetes is America ’ s sixth leading cause of death . Each year , 1.5 million Americans are newly diagnosed with diabetes and over the last 50 years ,
Courtesy Heart Center of North Texas
the number of people diagnosed with diabetes has increased by a factor of 10 – an increase of epidemic proportions . Chronic diseases are some of the most debilitating diseases in the United States , among the most common and costly health problems , not only in terms of health care expenditures , but also quality of life . However , there is hope . It can be managed with appropriate therapy and there are ways to slow the progression of the disease .
To delay its onset , people at high risk for developing diabetes should focus on losing weight by eating less ( cut down on fat and caloric intake ) and increasing their physical activity . One way to increase your physical activity would be to exercise regularly . You should consult your physician prior to beginning any exercise program . It is important to eat nutritious foods . A registered diabetes educator , in conjunction with your physician , can be invaluable in educating patients on making the right food choices , developing an exercise regiment and losing weight .
It is also important to be aware of your risk factors for developing pre-diabetes . As you get older , your chances of developing pre-diabetes increase , especially if you ’ re overweight and have other risk factors for developing diabetes . To find out if you have prediabetes , schedule an appointment with your doctor and get your glucose level checked .
FREE Women ’ s Health Screening Event
Saturday , February 4 , 2017 | 8:00 a . m . – 11:30 a . m .
• Cholesterol
• Sleep Apnea
• Body Composition or Body Mass Index
• Blood Pressure
• Heart Screening
• Glucose Checks
• Thyroid Screenings
Please join us in the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Flower Mound Lobby for our annual Women ’ s Health Screening Event on Saturday , February 4 , 2017 . Visit wellness booths , ask questions of and hear from our physician speakers and enter into drawings for door prizes . Between your visits to the different wellness booths , let us pamper you with chair massages , eyebrow threading and a complimentary breakfast !
The physicians ’ panel is from 8:30 a . m . to 9:30 a . m . At 10:00 a . m ., our honorary keynote presenter , Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor , Rebekah Gregory , will share her story of survival and determination .
For more information , visit TexasHealthFlowerMound . com , no RSVP needed .
4400 Long Prairie Road Flower Mound , TX 75028 469-322-7085
We are your women ’ s health neighborhood hospital .
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Flower Mound is a joint venture owned by Texas Health Resources and physicians dedicated to the community and meets the definition under federal law of a physician-owned hospital . Doctors on the medical staff practice independently and are not employees or agents of the hospital .
DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017
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