As a 30-something woman, I always thought I was one of the healthy ones. For the most part, I followed a plant-forward diet with lean proteins (and of course, the occasional treat), and the majority of my carbs were whole grain complex carbohydrates. I worked out six days a week mixing cardio and strength training, and actively took care of my mental health. But in June 2024, my journey took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes.
For years, my blood sugar levels during routine check-ups were normal (under 99 mg/dl), but after noticing a pattern of pre-diabetes in my family—who have similar lifestyles to mine—I asked my doctor to test my A1C. When the results came back, I was shocked: my A1C was 6.0, right in the middle of the pre-diabetes range (5.7–6.4). Anything above 6.4 is considered type 2 diabetes. I still vividly remember getting the news just before dinner with friends—it was a total appetite killer!
Since then, I’ve been on a journey to understand how my body responds to food, exercise, stress, and even vitamins and medications.
Symptoms of pre-diabetes can be subtle and easily overlooked. It is essential to pay attention to the signs such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. However, most people (including myself) don't actually have symptoms, so they don't think to test.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis. The causes of pre-diabetes are multifaceted, with genetics, lifestyle factors, and underlying health conditions all playing a role. Factors such as family history of diabetes, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and being overweight can increase the risk of developing pre-diabetes. So bottom line is that I personally think everyone should get their A1C tested. I am not a medical professional but in my mind, why not? I also wonder why more doctors don't suggest A1C tests - most of my friends have never heard of A1C let alone had it tested in their annual physicals. I probably would not have had mine tested either if it weren't for my nagging (in a loving way) father telling me to get mine tested because he was also surprised by a high A1C despite his incredible healthy habits.
Disclaimer: I’m not in any way a medical professional. Please consult your health care professional for advice before making any changes to your health routine.