The National Diabetes Statistics Report found that more than 84 million people in the United States probably have prediabetes, blood sugar levels higher than normal.
Prediabetes can become a true type 2 diabetes, which means that the body does not respond to insulin, a hormone that helps cells absorb blood sugar for energy.
Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of vision loss; heart disease; career; renal insufficiency; amputation of the toes, feet or legs; and even early death. The report found that almost one in four people with diabetes is not diagnosed.
It is possible to avoid diabetes by exercising, losing weight and reducing refined grains and added sugars.
The American Diabetes Association also recommends routine blood sugar tests every three years for all people age 45 and older (if the test results are normal).
The normal range for a fasting blood sugar test is between 60 and 99 milligrams per deciliter (mg / dL); Levels of 100 to 125 mg / dL are diagnosed as prediabetes.
