Researchers develop gameplan to treat pre-diabetes

When testing blood sugar levels, there's a 25 to 60 point gap, depending on the test, between what's considered normal and what's clearly diabetic. That gap is what doctors call "pre-diabetes."

"Somebody with pre-diabetes usually has absolutely no symptoms and they may not even know they're at risk," says Dr. Philip Levy of the University of Arizona College of Medicine.

57 million Americans are believed to have this condition. These are patients with higher-than-normal glucose levels, and other signs that put them at risk for developing diabetes.

People with elevated glucose face a higher risk of heart disease, sometimes just as much as those with diabetes. They also risk blindness, kidney failure, amputation and death.

"If you don't do anything, there's gonna be a huge price to pay," says Dr. Daniel Einhorn, Vice President of the American Assocation of Clinical Endocrinologists.

The Americal College of Endocrinology brought together experts to study pre-diabetes. They recommend that doctors consider drugs to lower glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure. They also recommend asprin.

Researchers say the most focus should be on lifestyle changes. Losing weight can lower your risk by five to ten percent. Also, stick to a low-fat, low-salt diet. Experts also recommend 30 to 60 minutes of exercise, five days a week.

Doctors don't know how many pre-diabetic patients will develop diabeties, but they know small changes can make a big difference.

Treating pre-diabetic patients is tough. There is no FDA-approved medications for it, so many insurance companies won't cover treatment.

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