How to Treat Borderline Diabetes

Borderline diabetes, or pre-diabetes, is a condition in which a person's blood sugar level is higher than a normal reading, yet not so high that it qualifies as diabetes. According to the online medical resource WedMD, a person's fasting glucose level must be between 100 and 125 mg/dl to be diagnosed with borderline diabetes. Blood glucose levels of 126 mg/dl or higher signify that the person is diabetic. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that more than 50 million American adults have pre-diabetes and are at risk for developing the full-blown disease. Luckily, borderline diabetes can be completely reversible if the appropriate steps are taken to treat the condition.

Instructions

1

Have blood tests run to measure your glucose levels. Knowing your exact reading can help you and your doctor develop a treatment plan of lifestyle changes that will bring your sugar levels back down into the normal range.

2

Schedule a consultation with your doctor to discuss safe ways in which you can lose weight, if applicable. Most people who develop borderline diabetes are overweight. Losing even 5 percent of your body weight can be beneficial to your overall health and can treat pre-diabetes conditions, says the medical experts at WedMD.

3

Hire a nutritionist to help you devise a personalized eating plan that will regulate your blood sugar levels. Limiting the amount of carbohydrates you eat, and increasing your sources of dietary fiber is a good start. Incorporate whole grains into your diet, as well as several daily servings of fresh fruits and vegetables.

4

Increase your activity level as a way to treat borderline diabetes. Exercise will not only help you lose weight, which is a key factor in preventing full-blown diabetes, but increases blood flow and is healthy for your heart. Try to fit 30 minutes of aerobic exercise into each day. Walking, riding a bike, and jumping rope are a few examples of aerobic exercise.

5

Control underlying health conditions that may contribute to your borderline diabetes. Get checked for high blood pressure and high cholesterol regularly, and begin treatment for these conditions if needed.