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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Health & Science

Prediabetes Reversible with Strict Health Management, Doctor Says

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • A 58-year-old man in Taiwan successfully managed prediabetes for over a decade without medication through strict health management.
  • Doctors emphasize that prediabetes, characterized by high blood sugar, is a critical stage that can progress to diabetes if untreated, affecting blood vessels and increasing cardiovascular risks.
  • Key management strategies include balanced diet, regular exercise, weight control, and consistent health monitoring to prevent or reverse prediabetes.

A 58-year-old man in New Taipei City has successfully kept prediabetes at bay for over 10 years, demonstrating the power of diligent health management. The patient, identified as Mr. Chen, was diagnosed with elevated fasting blood sugar during a routine check-up, a condition commonly known as "high blood sugar" and a precursor to diabetes.

High blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are commonly known as the 'triple high,' which are common indicators of metabolic syndrome.

— Dr. Liao Yu-huangExplaining the connection between high blood sugar and other metabolic issues.

Doctors at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital highlighted that prediabetes is a transitional phase between normal blood sugar levels and full-blown diabetes. Without timely intervention or lifestyle changes, it typically progresses to diabetes within six years. This progression can lead to lifelong treatment and severe complications, including damage to blood vessels, retinopathy, chronic kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy, and an increased risk of heart attack and heart failure.

The prevalence of high blood sugar among Taiwanese adults over 20 has reached 12.8%, indicating that abnormal blood sugar has become an important public health issue.

— Dr. Liao Yu-huangHighlighting the public health significance of high blood sugar in Taiwan.

Dr. Liao Yu-huang, a physician in endocrinology and metabolism at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, explained that high blood sugar, along with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, forms the "triple high" condition, a common indicator of metabolic syndrome. In Taiwan, over 12.8% of adults aged 20 and above have high blood sugar, making it a significant public health concern. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, lack of exercise, and excessive consumption of refined sugars and carbohydrates.

Prediabetes is the transitional stage between normal blood sugar and diabetes. There are no obvious symptoms in this stage and it is usually discovered accidentally through health check-ups or regular follow-ups.

— Dr. Liao Yu-huangDescribing the nature and detection of prediabetes.

Fortunately, Mr. Chen's case illustrates that prediabetes is often reversible. Through dietary adjustments, regular exercise, and consistent blood glucose monitoring, he avoided the need for medication. Dr. Liao advises individuals with high blood sugar to adopt a balanced diet, engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly, manage their weight, and undergo regular check-ups to prevent serious health issues.

If not treated or if lifestyle habits are not changed in time, it will progress to diabetes within an average of about 6 years.

— Dr. Liao Yu-huangWarning about the progression of prediabetes to diabetes.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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