What’s the difference between prediabetes and diabetes? Diabetes is one of the most chronic conditions in the USA. It is a metabolic disorder caused by a lack of insulin in the body. Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas that helps the body use glucose (sugar). Glucose starts in the bloodstream and insulin acts like a key that opens the doors of the cell to let the glucose get out of our blood and into our cells to provide the energy we need. To determine the amount of glucose there is in the bloodstream and monitor it on a day-to-day basis, a blood sample is taken after a person hasn’t eaten for at least eight hours or an overnight fast. They poke their finger so that a drop of blood can be tested. Blood sugar levels indicate a diagnosis for diabetes. In general: Less than 100 mg is normal; 100 to 125 mg, is diagnosed as prediabetes; and 126 mg or higher on two separate tests is diagnosed as diabetes. There are two types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2, and a condition that happens before Type 2 diabetes called prediabetes. Let’s see what we can learn about each of these.

Type 1 Diabetes

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) occurs when a person’s body doesn’t make insulin. It typically begins in childhood, often when the child is as young as four to six years old. Type 1 diabetes is considered an autoimmune disorder that is caused by an overactive immune system. People with Type 1 diabetes require synthetic insulin from outside their bodies for the rest of their lives.

Type 2 Diabetes

Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), aka Type 2 diabetes, usually begins in adulthood due to poor lifestyle habits. It is related to being overweight. People with Type 2 diabetes do make insulin in their bodies (at the beginning), but their bodies do not use it correctly. All overweight people eventually develop insulin resistance (IR). IR is the first metabolic footprint on the path to diabetes, so avoiding insulin resistance is important. Insulin resistance happens when the cells in your liver, muscles, and fat stop responding to insulin, so the pancreas goes into overdrive trying to make more insulin. Eventually the pancreas gives up trying and may not make any insulin at all. This is diabetes. People with Type 2 diabetes may require synthetic insulin for the rest of their lives.

Prediabetes

Prediabetes is diabetes that has not become official yet. The body is warning that it is heading towards Type 2 diabetes. People with prediabetes have elevated glucose levels (aka blood sugar) that don’t quite hit the threshold for diabetes. Insulin resistance is the cause of prediabetes. Lifestyle changes can manage or reverse it. These changes include getting more regular physical activity and changing eating habits, so they focus on regularly eating nutritious foods. To reduce blood sugar levels, cut out added sugars, swap simple carbohydrates for complex carbohydrates, and eat more vegetables. Seek to maintain a weight that is healthy for you.

Action Step

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are common conditions. Type 1 generally develops in childhood and Type 2 is usually an adult-onset condition. Insulin resistance is a factor in both Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.  If you have prediabetes, knowledge can help you manage, reverse, or curb it. Educate yourself and then make changes in your lifestyle and eating habits. Seek an herbalist, nutritionist, or a health care professional to guide you.

May God bless you on your wellness journey!

Joni

PS What experience do you have with insulin, prediabetes or diabetes that you would like to share?