What is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes is a health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. It indicates an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Prediabetes often has no clear symptoms but serves as an important warning sign.
What causes Prediabetes?
Prediabetes develops when the body’s ability to process glucose is impaired due to:
- Insulin resistance, where cells do not respond properly to insulin
- Decreased insulin production by the pancreas
- Genetic predisposition
- Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, and excess body weight
What are the symptoms of Prediabetes?
Most people with prediabetes do not experience noticeable symptoms. However, some may develop:
- Darkened patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans), usually around the neck or armpits
- Increased thirst or frequent urination (rare, usually indicating progression to diabetes)
- Fatigue or blurred vision (also more common in diabetes)
Because symptoms are often absent, screening is essential for at-risk individuals.
How is Prediabetes diagnosed?
Prediabetes is diagnosed through blood tests, including:
- Fasting blood glucose test (levels between 100-125 mg/dL indicate prediabetes)
- Oral glucose tolerance test (blood sugar levels between 140-199 mg/dL two hours after drinking glucose)
- Hemoglobin A1c test (levels between 5.7% and 6.4% indicate prediabetes)
What are the treatment options for Prediabetes?
Treatment focuses on lifestyle changes to prevent progression to diabetes:
- Healthy eating with a focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and reduced sugar intake
- Regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week
- Weight loss if overweight or obese, with a goal of losing 5-7% of body weight
- Monitoring blood sugar levels regularly
- In some cases, medication like metformin may be prescribed
What is the recovery and prognosis for Prediabetes?
- Prediabetes can often be reversed with lifestyle modifications
- Without intervention, many individuals progress to type 2 diabetes within 5 years
- Early action reduces the risk of diabetes and related complications such as heart disease
How can Prediabetes be prevented or managed long-term?
- Maintain a balanced, nutritious diet
- Stay physically active consistently
- Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption
- Get regular medical checkups for monitoring blood sugar
- Manage other health conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol