ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MIApple or pear? Your answer may mean diabetes

(02/15/12) - Figuring out your risk for diabetes may be as simple as comparing apples to pears.

There is actually a condition called pre-diabetes. If you find yourself there, it is not too late to change your course. A lot of people fall into this category, and you can easily be one of them and not even realize it. A new study projects in the next eight years, 77 percent of men and 53 percent of women will have diabetes or pre-diabetes.

"My diabetes was out of control. I had to stab myself 13 times a day with insulin," said Tom Haynes, a diabetic.

Pre-diabetes is when your blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. There are some red flags you can watch out for years before type two takes hold.

Number one: feeling beat when you eat! If you're often drowsy after dining, it could mean you're diet is too high in simple carbs, like sugar and sweet drink. Eat more complex carbs like whole wheat, veggies and fruit. The body works harder to break them down, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels.

Next, if you're overweight and cutting calories isn't cutting the pounds,  beware! It could be a sign your body is becoming insulin resistant. Instead of trying to lose a lot of weight at once, try a little at a time. Studies show losing five to 10 percent of body weight and regular exercise prevent or delay diabetes by 60 percent.

Finally, are you an apple or a pear? Being pear shaped is not a pre-diabetes risk factor. But,  if you look more like an apple, you could have it. Men with waistlines of 40 inches or more could be in trouble. Women with waistlines of 35 inches or more are also in the danger zone.

There are tests doctors can use to detect pre-diabetes. The American Diabetes Association says if you are overweight and 45 or older, you should be tested for pre-diabetes during your next routine check-up. If you're under 45 and overweight, doctors may still recommend the tests, especially if you have other diabetes risk factors like high blood pressure or family history.