There are no gray areas about whether one has diabetes or does not have diabetes. But, there may be a condition wherein one has pre-diabetes i.e. the sugar levels are higher than normal but not equivalent to the diabetic level. This condition of pre-diabetes is sometimes synonymously referred to as borderline diabetes in an informal non-scientific way.
A borderline diabetic has blood glucose levels ranging from 100 – 125 mg/dL when a Fasting glucose test is conducted. Doctors also call this as a state of ‘Impaired Glucose tolerance’ because a borderline diabetic’s reading ranges from 7.8 to 11.0 on doing the Oral glucose tolerance test. This range is lesser than that of diabetics but higher than normal levels. The point is not to ignore these results and feel relieved that one doesn’t have diabetes. Infact this is a warning or a precursor to the presence of diabetes in future.
Typically, a person with borderline diabetes/ pre-diabetes is at a higher risk to get type 2 diabetes in future. It is better to start taking precaution and appropriate treatment to bring down the blood sugar levels at this stage itself. When this phase, which is actually known as pre-diabetes, is referred to as borderline diabetes, the person becomes a bit complacent. This nomenclature of borderline diabetes may provide a false sense of relief or security to that person. The reality is that a borderline diabetic is more susceptible to heart diseases or other such complications such as high blood pressure, damage to kidney, eyes and heart.
Getting started with a borderline diabetic diet is the most appropriate initiative once you are diagnosed with borderline diabetes. A borderline diabetes diet coupled with regular physical activities or exercise is the best measure to bring back the blood sugar level back in control. Obesity can increase the risk levels of attaining diabetes faster and add to the complications related to diabetes. If you are diagnosed for prediabetes/ borderline diabetes, consult a doctor and lay down your individualized borderline diabetic diet plan along with some exercise routine.
There are various ways a borderline diabetic can take care of their diet by using a Food Guide Pyramid, keeping a carbohydrate count and calorie rating in your daily meals. A balanced diet should include proteins, minerals, vitamins and mainly fibers. A borderline diabetic diet mainly consists of whole grains, soya, beans, vegetables, fruits and non-dairy substances. It is beneficial not be empty stomach for more than 4 hours. Eating small meals at regular intervals helps not to increase the blood sugar level drastically. A certified nutritionist’s consultation is essential to control this impaired glucose tolerance so that this does not lead to diabetes.
It is a good idea to buy a glucometer and regularly check your glucose levels sitting at home. Precaution, care and consultation of doctors in case of borderline diabetics at the right time along with self-control can help one to attain the normal blood sugar levels.
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