Prediabetes

Understanding and Managing Prediabetes at Harpenden Medical

Take Control of Your Health Before Diabetes Develops

Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Without intervention, prediabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems.

At Harpenden Medical, we’re committed to helping you understand your risk and take proactive steps to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Comprehensive Risk Assessment

Our approach begins with a thorough evaluation of your individual risk factors, including:

• Medical History: Family history of diabetes, personal history of gestational diabetes, or other relevant conditions.
• Lifestyle Factors: Diet, physical activity levels, smoking status, and alcohol consumption.
• Laboratory Tests: Fasting glucose levels, HbA1c, lipid profile, insulin levels and insulin resistance assessment.
• Advanced Body Composition Analysis with DXA Scanning: Understanding your body composition is crucial in managing prediabetes. At Harpenden Medical, we utilise the Hologic Horizon® DXA Scanner, a state-of-the-art imaging technology that provides detailed insights into:
• Fat Distribution: Identifying visceral fat, which is closely linked to insulin resistance.
• Lean Muscle Mass: Assessing muscle mass to help plan effective exercise interventions.
• Bone Density: Evaluating bone health, as individuals with prediabetes are at increased risk for osteoporosis.

This comprehensive assessment allows us to identify your risk and tailor a prevention plan suited to your needs.

Personalised Treatment and Lifestyle Modification Plans

Based on your assessment and DXA scan results, our multidisciplinary team will develop a customised plan that may include:

• Nutritional Counselling: Guidance on balanced diets to manage blood sugar levels.
• Physical Activity Recommendations: Tailored exercise programs to improve insulin sensitivity.
• Weight Management Support: Strategies to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
• Medical Interventions: When appropriate, medications like metformin and tirzepatide may be considered to reduce the risk of progression to type 2 diabetes.

Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools necessary to make sustainable lifestyle changes that can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.

Ongoing Monitoring and Support

Preventing diabetes is an ongoing journey. We offer regular follow-up appointments to:

• Monitor Progress: Track changes in blood sugar levels, weight, and body composition.
• Adjust Plans: Modify your personalised plan as needed to ensure continued success.
• Provide Support: Offer encouragement and address any challenges you may encounter.

Take the first step towards preventing type 2 diabetes, contact Harpenden Medical to schedule your comprehensive prediabetes assessment today! Our team is here to support you every step of the way.