Understanding Prediabetes and Its Prevention

Diabetes and prediabetes are major health challenges faced by many people worldwide. While it is expected that one in ten adults may have prediabetes, the actual numbers could be much higher due to undiagnosed cases. Recent research shows that focusing on blood sugar levels can significantly impact diabetes prevention, even without weight loss.

Understanding Prediabetes

Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes. This condition often develops silently without clear symptoms initially, as the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, leading to sugar accumulation in the blood. If left untreated, prediabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes, affecting more than 460 million people globally and increasing the risk of serious complications such as heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Focusing on Normal Blood Sugar Levels

Until now, diabetes prevention programs have primarily focused on weight loss through healthy eating and regular physical activity. However, recent research suggests that this strategy can be expanded to include other considerations, such as controlling blood sugar levels regardless of weight loss.

In a long-term study conducted at the University Hospital of Tübingen, over 1,100 participants were followed. Among them, 234 individuals successfully restored their blood sugar levels to the normal range without losing weight. The results showed that these individuals were 71% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to those who did not achieve this.

The Role of Body Fat Distribution

Body fat distribution plays a crucial role in developing insulin resistance and diabetes risk. Visceral fat, stored deep in the abdomen around organs, produces signaling molecules that can cause inflammation and disrupt hormonal balance. The study showed that individuals who managed to normalize their blood sugar levels without weight loss experienced a reduction in abdominal fat compared to those who remained in the prediabetes range.

Looking Beyond the Scale

According to Professor Andreas Birkenfeld, who led the study, restoring blood sugar levels to the normal range is the most important goal in preventing type 2 diabetes, not necessarily the number on the scale. The data indicate that exercise and a balanced diet have a positive impact on blood sugar levels regardless of weight loss.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the importance of targeting healthy blood sugar values alongside weight-related goals in diabetes prevention. Achieving remission from prediabetes can be one of the most effective ways to avoid developing type 2 diabetes, and this can occur even without weight loss. However, maintaining regular physical activity and a balanced diet remains essential for keeping blood sugar levels within the healthy range.