Prediabetes - Defining Success by the Numbers

How will you know if you have successfully managed your prediabetes?

For you, success might be that your A1c falls into the "normal range of less than 5.7." The good news is that you will have done an excellent job of managing your blood sugar by eating correctly and increasing activity levels. Along the way you may lose weight, sleep better, and feel better.

And you achieved success by figuring out how to count carbs, counting your steps, staying hydrated, and checking your sugar levels.

If you are still on the path to successful blood glucose management, consider the following goals for yourself:

1. Blood glucose - Prediabetes is defined by an A1c less than or equal to 5.7 and fasting glucose 70–99 mg/dl (3.9–5.5 mmol/L).
2. Weight  - BMI between 18.5 and 24.9.
3. Steps per day to lose weight - greater than 10,000.
4. Amount of sleep per day is highly customized, but the recommendation is 6 - 8 hours per day.

What tools do you use for 1-4 above? Consider the following:

Blood Glucose: use a simple glucometer such as the one recommended in this post - How to Start Your Program to Manage Blood Sugar.

Weight - a simple digital scale is best. I think I've had mine for about 10 years. Calculate BMI using internet calculators (search for "calculate BMI").

Steps - use a simple pedometer or get a Fitbit such as the one I have to measure heart rate, count steps, floors, and calories, and to analyze your sleep (4.) above.