Diabetes Mellitus

Before type 2 diabetes fulminates (fully develops), people with diabetes usually have a pre-diabetic condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. At least 16 million people in the US ages 40–74 have pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes is sometimes referred to as impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose. With pre-diabetes, a person is likely to develop diabetes and may already be experiencing the adverse health effects Research has shown that long term damage to the heart and circulatory system may already be occurring during pre-diabetes. Diet, increased activity level, and medication may help to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes from developing. If untreated, most people with pre-diabetes develop type 2 diabetes within 3–10 years.