Prediabetes glucose monitoring is essential for preventing the progression to type 2 diabetes. If you’ve recently been told you have prediabetes, you’re not alone—nearly 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. has it, and most don’t even know it. In Fort Lauderdale, where people enjoy an active lifestyle and a diverse food culture, staying on top of your glucose levels can help you make healthier choices and reduce risks.
Without proper monitoring, prediabetes can silently develop into diabetes, leading to severe health complications such as nerve damage, heart disease, and kidney issues. Fortunately, technology like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)—including FreeStyle Libre and Dexcom—has made it easier to track blood sugar levels without constant finger pricks. These tools allow for better control and help users understand how diet, exercise, and daily habits affect their glucose.
By following the right approach to prediabetes glucose monitoring, you can take charge of your health and potentially reverse the condition before it worsens. Here are five effective ways to keep your glucose levels in check while living in Fort Lauderdale.
1. Understand Your Prediabetes Diagnosis
Before jumping into glucose monitoring, it’s important to understand what prediabetes means and how it’s diagnosed. Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are elevated but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. If left unmanaged, about 70% of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes in their lifetime.
How Prediabetes Is Diagnosed
Doctors use three main tests to diagnose prediabetes:
- A1C Test: Measures average blood sugar levels over the past three months. A result between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes.
- Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG): Checks blood sugar levels after fasting for at least eight hours. A result between 100–125 mg/dL suggests prediabetes.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood sugar before and after drinking a sugary solution. A result between 140–199 mg/dL two hours after drinking indicates prediabetes.
Why Monitoring Is Crucial
Monitoring your glucose levels regularly helps track fluctuations and gives you insight into what triggers spikes or dips. It also allows you to adjust your habits early, preventing long-term damage to your health. The more you understand your prediabetes, the easier it becomes to manage it.
2. Utilize Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Devices
For many people, fingerstick glucose testing can feel inconvenient, painful, and inconsistent. This is where continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) like FreeStyle Libre and Dexcom come in. These devices provide real-time blood sugar readings throughout the day, making them an excellent tool for managing prediabetes.
How CGMs Work
CGM devices use a small sensor inserted under the skin (usually on the arm or abdomen) to track glucose levels continuously. The sensor sends data to a reader, smartphone, or smartwatch, allowing you to view your levels at any time.
- FreeStyle Libre: Requires scanning the sensor to get glucose readings.
- Dexcom G7: Sends automatic readings to a smart device without the need for scanning.
Benefits of Using a CGM for Prediabetes
- Identifies glucose patterns – See how food, exercise, and stress affect your levels.
- Reduces the need for fingersticks – Less pain, more convenience.
- Provides alerts for high or low glucose levels – Helps prevent dangerous fluctuations.
- Improves long-term health outcomes – Allows for proactive diabetes prevention.
If you’re serious about prediabetes glucose monitoring, CGMs provide a more accurate and convenient way to track your health than traditional fingerstick tests.
3. Monitor Regularly and Respond Promptly
Just having a glucose monitor isn’t enough—you need to use it consistently and take action based on the results. Monitoring regularly helps you understand patterns, recognize triggers, and adjust your lifestyle accordingly.
How Often Should You Monitor?
For prediabetes, it’s recommended to check your glucose levels at different times throughout the day to see how they fluctuate. If using a CGM, you’ll get continuous readings, but for those using fingerstick tests, the best times to check are:
- Before meals – Establish a baseline before eating.
- One to two hours after meals – See how food impacts your glucose.
- Before and after exercise – Understand how physical activity affects your levels.
- Before bed – Ensure your glucose is stable overnight.
What to Do with Your Results
If your readings are consistently above 140 mg/dL after meals, or above 100 mg/dL when fasting, it’s time to adjust your habits. Consider:
- Reducing processed carbs and sugar.
- Increasing fiber intake.
- Exercising after meals to help lower glucose spikes.
- Managing stress and improving sleep quality.
Regular monitoring allows you to spot concerning trends early and take action before prediabetes worsens.
4. Engage in Lifestyle Modifications
While glucose monitoring is key, making healthy lifestyle changes is just as important for managing prediabetes. Studies show that losing just 5-7% of body weight can significantly lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Diet Changes for Prediabetes
- Prioritize fiber-rich foods – Whole grains, beans, and vegetables slow sugar absorption, keeping glucose stable.
- Choose healthy proteins – Lean meats, fish, and plant-based proteins prevent blood sugar spikes.
- Limit processed sugars and refined carbs – Avoid soda, white bread, and pastries.
- Drink plenty of water – Staying hydrated helps flush excess sugar from the body.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar. Aim for:
- 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week (walking, swimming, cycling).
- Strength training twice a week to build muscle, which helps regulate glucose.
- Short walks after meals to prevent glucose spikes.
Even small changes can lead to big results in preventing diabetes.
5. Seek Support and Professional Guidance
Managing prediabetes isn’t something you have to do alone. Seeking support from professionals and community groups can make a big difference in staying motivated and making lasting changes.
Where to Find Support in Fort Lauderdale
- Diabetes Prevention Programs (DPPs): Local programs that offer coaching, meal planning, and exercise guidance.
- Healthcare Providers: A doctor, endocrinologist, or nutritionist can personalize your management plan.
- Support Groups: Online or in-person groups provide accountability and encouragement.
Why Support Matters
Studies show that people who receive coaching and peer support are more likely to maintain lifestyle changes and successfully prevent diabetes. Don’t hesitate to ask for help!
How Can Aptiva Medical Help You?
At Aptiva Medical, we are dedicated to helping people in Fort Lauderdale take control of their health with the latest glucose monitoring technology. Whether you need a FreeStyle Libre, Dexcom, or expert guidance, we provide personalized solutions to fit your needs.
Visit us: 5249 NW 33rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Call us: (800) 310-2568
Take charge of your prediabetes today. Contact Aptiva Medical for expert advice and the best glucose monitoring devices available!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can prediabetes be reversed?
Yes, adopting healthy lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can return blood sugar levels to a normal range, effectively reversing prediabetes.
How often should I get tested for prediabetes?
If you’re at risk, it’s advisable to have your blood sugar levels checked at least once a year.
Are there any symptoms of prediabetes?
Prediabetes often has no clear symptoms, making regular screening important, especially if you have risk factors like obesity or a family history of diabetes.
Does my doctor screen for prediabetes during my annual physical exam?
Not always. If you are at risk for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, you should ask your doctor to include the test and discuss the results.
