Best Prediabetes Doctors in Visakhapatnam

Prediabetes is a metabolic condition characterised by blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. It serves as a warning sign, indicating an increased risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes if not properly managed. It is primarily attributed to insulin resistance, where the body fails to respond effectively to insulin, leading to an increase in blood sugar levels. Other factors contributing to prediabetes include age, obesity, an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, a family history of type 2 diabetes, tobacco use, and certain pre-existing medical conditions.

Apollo Hospitals in Vizag hosts some of the best doctors specialising in prediabetes treatment and specialists for effective diagnosis and management of this condition.

Stages of Prediabetes

The stages of prediabetes progressing to type 2 diabetes include:

• Insulin Resistance: Initially, cells resist insulin, prompting increased insulin production by the pancreas. Early signs include slightly elevated post-meal blood sugar.

• Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) and Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG): Blood sugar levels are high but not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes. IGT indicates elevated post-meal glucose; IFG indicates elevated fasting glucose.

• Elevated A1C Levels: A1C measures average blood glucose over the past 2-3 months. Prediabetes is indicated by A1C levels of 5.7%-6.4%, showing chronically elevated blood sugar levels.

• Increasing Insulin Resistance and Beta-cell Dysfunction: Insulin resistance worsens, and the pancreas's ability to produce insulin declines due to beta-cell dysfunction. This results in higher blood sugar levels that approach the diabetic range.

Symptoms of Prediabetes

Prediabetes often lacks noticeable symptoms, but individuals may experience:

• Increased thirst

• Frequent urination

• Heightened hunger

• Fatigue

• Blurred vision

• Numbness or tingling in feet or hands

• Slow-healing sores

• Unintentional weight loss

Tests to Diagnose Prediabetes

Doctors for the treatment of prediabetes at Apollo Hospitals may recommend the following tests to diagnose the condition:

• Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test: This measures the blood glucose levels after fasting for at least eight hours.

• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): After an initial fasting blood glucose test, the patient drinks a glucose solution, and blood sugar levels are tested two hours later.

• Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) Test: This test provides an average of blood sugar levels over the past three months, indicating the long-term control of blood glucose levels.

• Random Blood Sugar Test: This measures blood glucose levels at any time, regardless of recent meals.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Prediabetes at Apollo Hospitals, Vizag

Prediabetes treatment primarily involves lifestyle modifications and management. Apollo Hospitals in Vizag, boasting some of the best doctors specialising in prediabetes treatment, recommends:

• Dietary Changes: Incorporating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while minimising intake of processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages to help regulate blood sugar levels.

• Regular Exercise: The specialists in prediabetes recommend engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week. Activities like walking, cycling, or swimming promote weight management and improve insulin sensitivity.

• Weight Management: For overweight or obese patients, weight reduction can help manage prediabetes.

• Stress Management: Techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises can help reduce stress levels, contributing to better management of blood sugar levels.