Diabetes: How to prevent it from the prediabetes stage?

Diabetes, whose symptoms are often not visible enough, is known as one of the first silent pandemics, even from its earliest stage, prediabetes.

About 537 million people live with diabetes and it is estimated that by 2030 that number will increase to 643 million.

While in the region of America, according to data from Pan American Health Organizationat least 62 million people suffer from it.

How to prevent him from the prediabetes stage?

The prediabetes It is the pre-stage where blood sugar levels are higher than the normal range but not high enough to be classified as diabetes, so it is extremely important to be aware of this stage as 70% of prediabetes cases are likely to develop into type 2 diabetes.

Prediabetes is not only associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetesbut also with a higher rate of cardiovascular, nervous and renal complications, says Dr. Oscar Pinzón, specialist in endocrinology.

He adds that risk factors that cannot be changed, such as age, family history and ethnicity, These are the rules of the game that patients living with diabetes must follow.

In contrast, modifiable risk factors such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, not smoking, getting enough sleep, and adherence to medical treatments are strategies in this area that can increase good outcomes.

Teamwork is key, your support network including friends, family and doctors can be a driving force in maintaining a healthier lifestyle and keeping your game on.

In addition, mental health care plays an important role as diabetes and prediabetes can be emotionally challenging.

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Merck has partnered with International Diabetes Federation (IDF) launch a unique and inspiring campaign that uses football as a metaphor to convey a critical message: “Show prediabetes and diabetes the red card!”

Inspired by the passion and determination we see on the football field, this special campaign, which began on August 14, will culminate today, November 14, on World Diabetes Day.

As in football, in the strategy against diabetes it is necessary to design and plan preventive and corrective measures, because if it is detected at an early stage, its progression can be delayed or paused, said Dr. Ivonne Díaz, medical director of the cardio-metabolic and endocrinology areas of Merck Central America.