Prediabetes has similar complications to diabetes mellitus since it an early for of that condition. Prediabetes affects many different organs and processes in the body, causing a cluster of damaging health effects that domino into other heath conditions.
Prediabetes significantly increases the chances of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Atherosclerosis, the accumulation of fatty deposits inside blood vessels that lead to heart attack and stroke, is common among prediabetics.
The kidneys are comprised of millions of miniature blood vessels that filter the blood. High blood sugar damages these vessels, causing the kidneys to leak protein into the urine.
Hypertension puts an increased workload on the heart, resulting in heart disease, kidney disease and stroke. Many risk factors for prediabetes and diabetes may also lead to high blood pressure.
High levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol are extremely common in people with prediabetes and diabetes. High LDL cholesterol can lead to many serious health complications, including a heart attack.
Common among diabetics, gout is a chronic form of arthritis that causes painful swelling in one or more joints.
Frequent infections may be a sign of a compromised immune system or could be an early warning sign of prediabetes and diabetes.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disease that affects between 5%-10% of American women. It’s also common among people with diabetes.
High blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear. Premature hearing loss may be a sign of prediabetes.
