According to the AIHW National Mortality Database (2022) diabetes is the 8th leading cause of death in Australian males (higher than bowel cancer or suicide).
The stats don’t lie- from the year 2000-2021, the number of people living with type 2 diabetes in Australia has increased almost 3-fold.
Type 2 diabetes is an insidious, slowly developing condition which often surprises patients when formally diagnosed.
As a men’s health nurse, I’ve observed diabetes levels in both remote and metropolitan settings sadly accelerating over the past 25-years.
In this article we look at what is ‘prediabetes’ and hear from a clinical diabetes expert on what men can do the reverse this trend.
Diabetes fast facts
Over 300 Australians are diagnosed with diabetes each day, equating to roughly one person every 5 minutes according to Diabetes Australia.
Males are 1.3 times more likely to be living with type 2 diabetes compared to females, and 1.4 times more likely to be newly diagnosed with diabetes in Australia.
What is prediabetes?
Prediabetes is a condition when a person’s blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes.
Who is at risk of prediabetes?
There are modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for prediabetes in men,
Modifiable: being overweight, smoking, high blood pressure, high total cholesterol, low physical activity.
Non-modifiable: having a family background of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Islander, SE Asian, Asian (sub-continent), Arabic or north African, or having a first-degree relative with type 2 diabetes.
What are the symptoms of prediabetes?
Pre-diabetes typically has no signs or symptoms. There can be symptoms of prediabetes morphing into type 2 diabetes, these can include- blurred vision, increased thirst, urinating more than usual and fatigue.
How is prediabetes diagnosed?
An elevated blood glucose level will often result in an additional investigation called an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) being attended. This is the same test many women will have when pregnant to check for gestational diabetes.
Based on the results of the OGTT, your GP will discuss the next steps in management.
Can prediabetes be reversed?
Yes. A diagnosis of prediabetes does not automatically mean that type 2 diabetes is inevitable. However, the evidence is clear- that unless lifestyle changes are made including healthy eating, increased exercise and weight loss then type 2 diabetes often follows prediabetes.
How can I assess my risk for prediabetes?
A Type 2 diabetes risk calculator has been developed by Diabetes Australia which is free to use.
A score of 12 or more means a person is at high-risk and should consult their GP.
Expert Opinion: Kendall Gow (Urology Nurse Practitioner/Credentialled Diabetes Educator)
Prediabetes is a critical health stage that requires attention and proactive management.
Using precise terminology helps ensure that individuals understand the importance of addressing the condition early to prevent progression to type 2 diabetes.
Referring to prediabetes as “borderline diabetes” can be misleading and potentially harmful because the term “borderline” might downplay the seriousness of the condition, leading individuals to underestimate the importance of lifestyle changes.
