Understanding Prediabetes: Causes and Symptoms

Imagine this: nearly 98 million American adults are walking around with prediabetes, and the staggering fact is, over 80% of them don’t even realize it. Prediabetes isn’t just a set of numbers on a lab report; it’s a wake-up call, a critical warning that your body is on the brink. 

From the lens of functional medicine specialists in Brea and beyond, prediabetes isn’t merely an isolated issue—it’s a symptom of a larger, more complex problem. It stems from a web of underlying factors and systemic imbalances that need to be untangled and addressed. This approach doesn’t just put a band-aid on the symptoms; it dives deep to find and fix the root causes, providing a holistic and more comprehensive treatment plan. 

What is the most common cause of prediabetes?

Prediabetes often flies under the radar, showing no obvious symptoms for years. Getting to know your risk factors is the first step in taking control of your health.

1. Systemic inflammation

Chronic inflammation, fueled by poor diet, lack of exercise, environmental toxins, and gut imbalances, can impair insulin function and lead to insulin resistance. This disruption often sets the stage for metabolic syndrome in prediabetics—a collection of conditions including a larger waistline, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, and elevated blood sugar, all of which heighten the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

2. Insulin resistance

Think of insulin as your body’s method of managing energy distribution—produced by the pancreas, it helps cells absorb glucose, especially in your liver, muscles, and fat. Sometimes, cells stop responding well to insulin, a condition known as insulin resistance. To counteract this, your pancreas works harder, pumping out more insulin. But if insulin resistance continues to advance, even this extra effort may not be enough, leading to higher blood sugar levels and possibly prediabetes.

3. Nutritional & hormonal imbalances

It’s tough when your diet leans heavily on processed foods and refined sugars, missing out on crucial nutrients—it can really take a toll, increasing oxidative stress and hampering your cells’ energy centers. But remember, these dietary choices are just one piece of the puzzle. Life’s stresses and not getting enough sleep are also big players that can disrupt your hormonal balance and impact how you feel each day.

What blood tests show prediabetes?

Functional medicine uses a wide range of lab tests and diagnostics to thoroughly assess prediabetes and overall metabolic health, enabling targeted interventions based on a detailed understanding of an individual’s metabolic status.

• Blood sugar: The HbA1c test quantifies the average glucose concentration in your blood over the previous two to three months by analyzing glycated hemoglobin levels. However, if you’re curious about your current levels, a fasting glucose test can tell you exactly where you stand. For a more sensitive assessment, the two-hour OGTT checks how well you handle sugar after drinking a sweet solution. 
• Hormones: Even if your fasting glucose is normal, high fasting insulin levels can indicate insulin resistance. Functional medicine doctors suggest keeping fasting insulin under 10 μU/mL to lower the risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. They might also test other hormones that affect glucose metabolism, including sex, stress, and thyroid hormones, to get a fuller picture of your health.
• Metabolomic profile: Keeping tabs on your health means looking at more than just one thing—it’s about getting the full picture. That’s why it’s important to check a variety of markers that tell us about fat levels, sugar balance, and inflammation. 
• Lipid profile: When your lipid levels are off, it could be a hint that something’s not right with your metabolism, potentially leading to prediabetes and greater chances of heart disease.
• Organic Acid Test (OAT): This test examines metabolites in your urine, giving you an all-in-one snapshot at how your metabolism is functioning, what nutrients you might be lacking, and the health of your gut’s microbial environment.

Where can I find the best functional medicine specialists in Brea?

Got health concerns that are bothering you? At Oasis Heal Arts, we’re here to help. Whether it’s persistent brain fog that needs to be managed effectively, or other critical health challenges, we’re on your side. We focus on early symptom detection and support you in making well-informed lifestyle changes, guided every step of the way by our experts. We offer personalized care that’s all about meeting your unique needs, right here in Brea and the surrounding communities. If you’re in the area, why not give us a shout?