Prediabetes: Risks, Symptoms & How to Reverse It | Kassa

More than 1.4 million adults in the Netherlands live with prediabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels are elevated but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. The finding, stemming from the Maastricht Study at Maastricht UMC+, highlights a significant public health concern as prediabetes substantially increases the risk of both diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Prediabetes represents a critical juncture, explained internist-endocrinologist Martijn Brouwers of Maastricht UMC+, author of the book Suiker in Overvloed (Sugar in Abundance). “Prediabetes is a red flag for the health of many people,” he stated, noting the scale of the issue within the Dutch population.

The Maastricht Study, encompassing over 9,000 individuals aged 40 to 75, revealed that approximately one in seven people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within ten years. More alarmingly, one in six will experience cardiovascular events, including arterial blockages, heart attacks, or strokes, within the same timeframe. These figures underscore the serious health implications of the condition, particularly given that many individuals remain unaware of their status due to a lack of noticeable symptoms.

Diagnosis typically requires a blood sugar test, though simpler tests, such as a fasting blood sugar prick, can provide an initial indication. However, Brouwers cautions against widespread, unsolicited testing. He recommends individuals first utilize the Diabetes Fund’s risk calculator to assess their likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. A high-risk assessment should then prompt a visit to a general practitioner for blood sugar measurement.

A primary driver of prediabetes is overweight and obesity, currently affecting 50% of Dutch adults. Excess weight places a strain on the pancreas, forcing it to perform harder to regulate blood sugar levels. Prolonged overexertion can lead to pancreatic exhaustion and insufficient insulin production, ultimately resulting in elevated blood sugar and the progression to prediabetes and, eventually, type 2 diabetes.

Despite the serious risks, Brouwers emphasizes that prediabetes is often reversible through lifestyle modifications. “And the good news is: that can often be done without medication,” he said. He advocates for weight loss, increased physical activity, and a more conscious approach to diet.

The incoming Dutch cabinet, led by Jetten, is taking steps toward preventative measures, including a sugar tax on pre-packaged foods and beverages containing more than 6% sugar, scheduled for implementation in 2030. The tax aims to incentivize manufacturers to reduce sugar content and encourage consumers to choose healthier alternatives. Restrictions on marketing unhealthy products to children are likewise planned.

Brouwers welcomes these initiatives, pointing to the increasing prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes among young people. He also believes supermarkets share a responsibility, but expresses skepticism about their willingness to act independently. He notes that current promotional offers often feature unhealthy items like beer, chips, and sugary drinks, continuing to encourage their consumption.

The Diabetes Fund recently reported that an estimated 400,000 people in the Netherlands have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, further highlighting the scope of the problem. The organization’s online Diabetes Risk Test experienced a surge in usage, with 200,000 individuals completing the self-assessment in a single day. According to Diena Halbertsma, general director of the Diabetes Fund, prolonged undiagnosed diabetes can lead to irreversible damage, including nerve damage, eye problems, dementia, kidney failure, and cardiovascular disease, with half of those affected experiencing these severe complications.