Myth or Fact: Is Prediabetes a Cause for Concern or Can It Be Ignored? Ft. Dr Suman Sarkar

Contrary to the common misconception, prediabetes is not a minor issue. It represents elevated blood sugar levels that haven’t yet reached the threshold for diabetes but significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other health complications.

Being prediabetic should be considered a warning sign, not something to overlook. Prediabetes can be managed and potentially reversed through lifestyle changes. A balanced diet, increased physical activity, weight management, and regular health check-ups are key steps in preventing or delaying the progression to type 2 diabetes.

These measures also reduce other associated health risks, like heart disease. Monitoring blood sugar levels through HbA1c testing is essential for identifying trends and intervening early.

HbA1c tests provide a more comprehensive view of average blood sugar levels over time, allowing for timely adjustments in lifestyle or treatment. This proactive approach at the prediabetic stage can lead to better long-term health outcomes.

In this video, Dr Suman Sarkar, Consultant Physician and Diabetologist at KPC Medical College Hospital, Kolkata, dispels the myth that prediabetes is insignificant. Dr. Sarkar emphasizes the urgency of lifestyle changes and regular monitoring for those with prediabetes, highlighting that early intervention is critical to prevent progression to diabetes and related complications.