If you’ve been told by your doctor that you have pre-diabetes, you may feel like you dodged a bullet. After all, you haven’t developed full-blown diabetes yet, right?.

While it’s true that pre-diabetes is not the same thing as Type 2 diabetes, this label can actually be harmful in and of itself. Here are some of the ways that being labeled as pre-diabetic can affect your health:.

1. Anxiety and Stress

One of the biggest problems with the pre-diabetes label is that it can cause a significant amount of anxiety and stress.

It’s understandable to be worried about developing diabetes, especially if you have family members who have the disease or if you have other risk factors. However, worrying too much can lead to serious health problems, including high blood pressure, insomnia, and even depression.

2. Overreliance on Medications

The pre-diabetes label can also lead to an overreliance on medications. Some people who are diagnosed with pre-diabetes may be prescribed medications like metformin, even though they don’t necessarily need them.

While these medications can be helpful for some people, they can also cause side effects like stomach upset, diarrhea, and nausea. Additionally, taking medications when you don’t necessarily need them can lead to a false sense of security and may encourage an unhealthy lifestyle.

3. False Sense of Security

As mentioned above, being labeled as pre-diabetic can sometimes give people a false sense of security. They may think that as long as they take their medications or watch their diet for a few months, they will be okay.

However, pre-diabetes is actually a serious condition that can lead to diabetes and other health problems. It’s important to take a proactive approach and make lasting lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

4. Unhealthy Lifestyle Changes

On the other hand, some people who are diagnosed with pre-diabetes may become so obsessed with their condition that they make unhealthy lifestyle changes.

They may start skipping meals or drastically cutting back on calories, which can cause nutritional deficiencies and can actually make their pre-diabetes worse. Additionally, they may start exercising excessively, which can lead to injury and burnout.

5. Confusion and Misinformation

The pre-diabetes label can also cause confusion and misinformation. Some people may think that being pre-diabetic means that they have full-blown diabetes, or that they can never eat sugar or other carbohydrates again.

This can lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions and can actually make it harder to manage blood sugar levels.

6. Stigmatization and Discrimination

Finally, the pre-diabetes label can lead to stigmatization and discrimination. Some people may assume that pre-diabetes only happens to obese or unhealthy individuals, which is simply not true.

Anyone can develop pre-diabetes, even if they are otherwise healthy. Additionally, some people may fear discrimination or job loss if they are labeled as pre-diabetic, which can cause them to hide their condition or avoid seeking treatment.

Conclusion

If you have been labeled as pre-diabetic, it’s important to take a proactive approach to your health. Make lasting lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress.

Additionally, talk to your doctor about your options for managing your condition, including medications and other therapies.

Remember, being pre-diabetic is not a death sentence. With the right approach, you can reduce your risk of developing diabetes and other health problems, and live a healthy, happy life.