Your Checkup: Health Conversations for Motivated Patients

Prediabetes Explained: Risks and Prevention of Diabetes

Ed Delesky, MD and Nicole Aruffo, RN Season 2 Episode 8
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Prediabetes affects over one-third of Americans, yet 80% don't know they have it. We break down what this silent condition means for your health and provide practical strategies to prevent progression to diabetes.

• Prediabetes is defined as blood sugar that's elevated but not high enough to be diabetes
• Risk factors include being over 45, overweight, family history of diabetes, and certain racial backgrounds
• Prediabetes independently increases risk for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease
• Losing just 7% of body weight and exercising 150 minutes weekly reduces diabetes risk by 58%
• Even without weight loss, exercise alone cuts diabetes risk by 44%
• Focus on whole foods, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and limiting processed foods
• Poor sleep significantly increases diabetes risk—aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep
• Metformin may be recommended for higher-risk individuals
• Prediabetes is reversible with lifestyle changes

Follow our podcast and share this episode with a loved one—since one-third of Americans have prediabetes and most don't know it, you could help someone take control of their health before it's too late.


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Production and Content: Edward Delesky, MD & Nicole Aruffo, RN
Artwork: Olivia Pawlowski

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