How quickly should you act to stop the progression of diabetes? The answer may be clearer than you think: the best time to take action might be now.

Are you concerned about prediabetes and its potential impact on your health? Discover what prediabetes means, learn its symptoms, and explore effective strategies to manage it in this detailed article.
 

What is Prediabetes?

Don't cross the road to type 2 diabetes yet. Start by understanding what prediabetes is. Prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than usual but not quite at the diabetes level yet. It increases your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.¹ Most people with prediabetes don't notice any symptoms. To check risks, doctors use tests like A1C 5.7%–6.4%, Fasting plasma glucose 100–125 mg/dL (impaired fasting glucose), and 2-hour post 75g oral glucose challenge 140–199 mg/dL (impaired glucose tolerance).²

Once you find out you have prediabetes, it's a sign to make some changes. Simple things like eating better and staying active can lower your risk of getting type 2 diabetes.
 

What are the Symptoms of Prediabetes?

One of the challenges with prediabetes is its asymptomatic nature in many individuals. Often, people are unaware of their condition until a blood test conducted during routine medical check-ups detects elevated glucose levels. However, for some individuals, there may be subtle signs that can indicate the presence of prediabetes. These symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.

1. You Have Darkened Skin in Some Areas

   If you've tried everything to treat skin pigmentation without success, it might be worth checking your glucose levels. Thick, dark patches that develop in skin folds like the back of the neck, armpits, and groin, could be a manifestation of Acanthosis Nigricans. ³Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a well-recognized skin issue associated with diabetes mellitus, affecting people of all ages and genders.⁴

2. You are Always Thirsty

   Thirst is a natural response that signals your body’s need for more liquid.⁵ However, if you’ve consumed plenty of fluids yet still feel thirsty, it could suggest an underlying health issue. This ongoing thirst may be related to polydipsia, a symptom often associated with diabetes.⁶ It can occur in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and may be accompanied by a dry mouth in some cases. ^7,8

3. You Feel the Urge to Always Urinate

   Polyuria, or frequent urination, is a common symptom of prediabetes. As the kidneys filter out excess glucose from the bloodstream, it leads to a rise in urine production, causing you to urinate more often than usual.⁹

4. You are Extremely Tired

   Fatigue is another symptom that can accompany diabetes and prediabetes. ¹⁰ The body's inability to effectively utilize glucose for energy due to impaired insulin function can lead to feelings of tiredness and low energy levels.

5. You’re Experiencing Vision Problems

   Living with diabetes can bring unexpected challenges, including various eye complications linked to blood vessel and nerve damage.¹¹

   Here are some conditions to watch out for:

   • Diabetic Retinopathy (DR)

     It is a condition in which blood vessels in the retina bleed into the vitreous (the gel-like fluid that fills the eye), causing you to see cobweb-like floating spots.¹²

   • Diabetic Macular oedema (DME)

     DME occurs when blood vessels in the retina leak fluid into the macula, which is essential for clear, central vision. This leakage can lead to blurry vision.¹³

Early detection and proactive management are key to mitigating the risks associated with prediabetes. If you're interested in assessing your risk of developing diabetes, we encourage you to take a moment to evaluate your situation. Click this link for a Type 2 diabetes risk assessment: Are you at risk?.¹⁴
 

You Want to Get Better

Preventing prediabetes from progressing to diabetes starts with adopting a more balanced diet. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), cutting back on sugary and processed foods can go a long way in preventing type 2 diabetes.¹⁵

Instead of reaching for those sweets, why not boost your fiber intake? The body can’t digest fiber, so it passes through the system without breaking down like other carbs. This helps regulate how your body uses sugars, keeping your appetite in check and your blood sugar levels stable.¹⁶

According to the Philippine Dietary Reference Intakes (PDRI), adults should aim for a daily fiber intake of 20 to 25 grams.¹⁷

If you are looking for a way to increase your fiber intake, consider Glucopro^® as a smart way to satisfy cravings!
 

What is Glucopro^®?

Glucopro^® is a water-soluble, non-gelling supplement that comes in a winter melon tea flavor and contains 16 grams (total value of 3 sachets) of resistant maltodextrin (RMD), a type of dietary fiber. With proper diet and healthy lifestyle, Resistant Maltodextrin (RMD) helps in resisting absorption and digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Here are some benefits of resistant maltodextrin in Glucopro^® :

• Promote fullness¹⁸
• Weight management¹⁸
• Helps manage blood glucose levels after a meal.¹⁸
• Helps to maintain intestinal regularity.¹⁸
• May help reduce risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.^19,20
• This supplement helps ensure you get the daily recommended intake of 20 to 25 g of dietary fiber as highlighted in the Philippine Dietary Reference Intakes(PDRI).¹⁷

For best results, take this product three times a day, together with proper diet and exercise.

To take this supplement, dissolve one (1) Glucopro^® sachet in a glass of 250 mL water(hot or cold) and consume it together with each meal. Once a sachet is opened, consume the contents immediately.

Remember: Glucopro^® can not regulate your blood sugar level. It is also not meant to replace a healthy, fiber-rich diet. It’s only here to complement your fiber intake.

Glucopro^® is available in leading drugstores nationwide and on Lazada and Shopee. Use under medical supervision.