GP issues warning to millions of Brits who may have 'silent' condition

GP issues warning to millions of Brits who may have 'silent' condition You may be living with the condition and not even realise A GP has warned millions of Brits that they are at risk of developing a serious medical condition. Research shows one in 12 people are estimated to be affected by prediabetes. His warning comes during Diabetes Week, a week-long campaign led by Diabetes UK that fights against the stigma surrounding the chronic condition. But while millions are at risk of the condition, it can be reversed. According to Dr Dominic Greenyer from The Health Suite in Leicester, catching it early can make all the difference. Sometimes referred to as a “grey zone” by doctors, prediabetes is a high-risk early stage state, often seen as a warning signal of insulin resistance and that blood sugar levels are raised but not yet high enough to qualify as type 2 diabetes. Dr Greenyer said: “Prediabetes is a place of heightened risk but with that risk is potential to actually reverse this state. If addressed efficiently and effectively, the body is often able to restore blood sugar regulation back to normal levels.” Around one-in-four people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years without intervention, but those who act early can halt the journey entirely. Most people often don’t realise they have prediabetes as it can occur without any noticeable symptoms. “Many people only discover it through routine blood tests,” explained Dr Greenyer. Whereas type 2 diabetes tends to present itself through symptoms such as persistent thirst, excessive urination, blurred vision and fatigue, at the prediabetes stage, the body is largely “silent”. “That's the real danger,” said Dr Greenyer. “People feel absolutely fine. By the time symptoms appear, the window for easy intervention may have already passed.” For those with risk factors, such as a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure or excess weight, Dr Greenyer encourages them to speak with their doctor. “Ask your GP for an HbA1c test. It's simple and the information it gives you is invaluable,” he said. Reversing prediabetes What sets prediabetes apart from so many other conditions is, with the right support and intervention, it can usually be reversed. Dietary adjustments, an increase in physical activity and a weight management plan have all shown to halt progression of diabetes and, in many cases, return blood sugar markers to completely normal levels. “A prediabetes diagnosis is not necessarily bad news, it can be an opportunity,” said Dr Greenyer. “It means we've caught something early enough to act on. That's exactly what we want." To try to reverse prediabetes, Diabetes UK says you should: - Lose weight if you’re overweight - Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole foods - Take part in more physical activity If you have prediabetes or diabetes and are concerned about your health, you should speak to your GP.