A staggering 8.1 million people are unaware they are at risk of becoming pre-diabetic. Undiagnosed diabetes leads to risk of eye, heart or kidney disease along with nerve damage. Here are some things to talk to your doctor about to avoid the problems associated with prediabetes  

Balanced Eating Habits - take a moment to talk to your doctor about your eating habits. Most people who believe they are eating a healthy and balanced diet may not be on the right track. It is essential to eat foods that keep your pancreas from working overtime since this is the organ that makes insulin in your body. 

Screenings - there are screenings that you should get starting at age 45 or if you have a family history of diabetes. These screenings help to determine if a patient is at risk for prediabetes or have type 1 or 2 diabetes. 

Family History - going back to your grandparents, if you have any history of diabetes, it is essential to let your doctor know. You may benefit from screenings earlier than the recommended age of 45.

Screenings for diabetes and prediabetes

If you meet any of the criteria noted previously, you should talk to your primary care provider about being tested for prediabetes or diabetes. In asymptomatic patients, there are three methods of testing that are considered equally appropriate.

1. Fasting Plasma Glucose is a simple blood test after fasting for at least eight hours to determine your blood sugar levels.

2. Two-hour plasma glucose value after a 75 - gram oral glucose tolerance test.

3. A1C Test - Blood test that provides information about average levels of blood glucose, over the past 3 months.