Hidden Danger: The Silent Killer Inside You

TLDRPre-diabetes is a hidden disease that can damage your heart, kidneys, and nerves without symptoms. Many people have pre-diabetes without knowing it or receiving proper diagnosis from their doctors. It is crucial to get tested and take action to prevent irreversible damage.

Key insights

😱Pre-diabetes can silently damage your heart, kidneys, and nerves.

👨‍⚕️Many people have pre-diabetes without being aware of it or receiving proper diagnosis from their doctors.

🔬Even a slightly elevated hemoglobin A1c level can indicate pre-diabetes and potential organ damage.

💉Doctors often miss pre-diabetes by only checking fasting blood glucose levels.

👣Pre-diabetes can cause neuropathy and damage nerves in the legs, feet, and toes.

Q&A

How common is pre-diabetes?

Over 96 million people in the US alone have pre-diabetes, but 8 out of 10 are unaware of their condition.

Why do doctors often miss pre-diabetes?

Some doctors only measure fasting blood glucose levels, which may not detect pre-diabetes if the levels are normal or slightly high.

What tests should I ask for to check for pre-diabetes?

Request a hemoglobin A1c test and a c-peptide test, as both can provide more accurate insight into pre-diabetes.

Can pre-diabetes damage my organs?

Yes, pre-diabetes can damage the heart, kidneys, and nerves, leading to conditions such as glomerular hyperfiltration, albuminuria, and neuropathy.

Can I reverse pre-diabetes?

Pre-diabetes can be reversed by making lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Pre-diabetes is a hidden disease that silently damages organs.

01:30Many people have pre-diabetes without proper diagnosis.

03:40Fasting blood glucose levels may not detect pre-diabetes.

05:35Pre-diabetes increases the risk of heart and kidney damage.

06:40Pre-diabetes can cause nerve damage and neuropathy.