Electrolyte Disorders in Prediabetics and in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that imposes enormous socioeconomic burdens attributable to complications of various bodily systems. Diabetes affected 463 million people (9.3% of all people) in 2019 and will affect 700 million (10.9%) by 2045.

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among Egyptian adults is 15.2%, which may be an underestimation. Therefore, diabetes mellitus should be thoroughly explored in terms of its risk factors, prevention, treatment, and consequences. Moreover, the general population should be aware of and well informed about all aspects of diabetes.

Prediabetes is a precursor before the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Adults with prediabetes often may show no signs or symptoms of diabetes but will have blood glucose levels higher than normal. The normal blood glucose level is between 70 - 99 mg/dL. In patients with prediabetes, the blood glucose levels elevated between 110 - 125 mg/dL.

Once the patient is diagnosed as prediabetes, he should be checked for progression to type 2 diabetes every one to two years. So early detection of prediabetes and so lifestyle changes through improved nutrition and physical activity are the first line treatment for preventing the transition from prediabetes to diabetes which can be as high as 70%.

A normal HbA1C level is below 5.7%, a level of 5.7-6.4% indicates prediabetes, and a level of 6.5% or more indicates diabetes. Within the 5.7-6.4% prediabetes range, the higher HbA1C, the greater risk is for developing type 2 diabetes.