Prediabetes treatment

Prediabetes is a precursor for type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a disease in which your body can't make enough insulin, or your body is unable to properly use the insulin it makes. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body to control the level of sugar in your blood.

If your body can't use its insulin properly, glucose (sugar) builds up in your blood instead of being used for energy. This excess sugar in your blood causes problems and can lead to serious health complications.

It's important to take a prediabetes diagnosis seriously because some long-term complications associated with diabetes—such as heart disease—may begin during prediabetes.

Preventing type 2 diabetes

The good news is that more than half of people with prediabetes can delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Taking steps now to improve your lifestyle can make a huge difference and lead to a healthier future.

If you've been diagnosed with prediabetes, reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by:

• following a health-promoting dietary pattern (see Canada's Food Guide)
• exercising regularly (start slowly and increase to 150 minutes per week)
• discussing weight management with your healthcare provider

Every effort counts

Small changes can make a big difference. For instance, if you haven't been physically active, start with a 10-minute walk three times a week. Other options include adding more vegetables to your plate, cooking meals at home more often, choosing whole-grain foods and drinking water instead of soda or juice.

Start with new activities or foods that you enjoy and at a pace that works for you!