‘Prediabetes’ as a practical distinctive window for workable fruitful wonders: Prevention and progression alert as advanced professionalism

Abstract

Diabetes is a devastating public health problem. Prediabetes is an intermediate stage in the disease processes leading to diabetes, including types 1 and 2 diabetes. In the article “Prediabetes in children and adolescents: An updated review,” the authors presented current evidence. We simplify and systematically clearly present the evidence and rationale for a conceptual framework we term the ‘3ASs’: (1) Awareness Sensible; (2) Algorithm Simple; and (3) Appealing Strategies. Policy makers and the public need to be alerted. The prevalence of prediabetes should send alarm bells ringing for parents, individuals, clinicians, and policy makers. Prediabetes is defined by the following criteria: impaired fasting glucose (100-125 mg/dL); impaired glucose tolerance (2 h postprandial glucose 140-199 mg/dL); or hemoglobin A1c values of 5.7%–6.4%. Any of the above positive test alerts for intervention. Clinical guidelines do not recommend prioritizing one test over the others for evaluation. Decisions should be made on the strengths and shortfalls of each test. Patient preferences and test accessibility should be taken into consideration. An algorithm based on age, physiological stage, health status, and risk factors is provided. Primordial prevention targeting populations aims to eliminate risk factors through public education and encouraging practices through environmental modifications. Access to healthy foods is provided. Primary prevention is for individuals with a prediabetes diagnosis and involves a structured program to reduce body weight and increase physical activity along with a healthy diet. An overall methodical move to a healthy lifestyle for lifelong health is urgently needed. Early energetic prediabetes action is necessary.

Keywords: Obesity, Overweight, Awareness, Algorithm, Lifestyle, Physical exercise, Screening, Primordial prevention, Primary prevention, Adolescents

Core Tip: Prediabetes provides a window for preventive action. The prevalence of prediabetes should send alarm bells ringing for parents, individuals, clinicians, and policy makers. Algorithms should delineate based on age, physiological stage, health status, and risk factors. Diabetes is dangerous and its management is difficult; hence, attention on prediabetes, which provides early opportunity for health promotion and prevention. Primordial prevention should target at-risk populations and primary prevention should target individuals for healthy lifestyles. Doctors should be proficient in modern technologies proficient to optimize prevention strategies.