Prediabetes

Prediabetes is one of the many diabetes form. It’s is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. The good news? Prediabetes can often be reversed with early action and the right lifestyle changes.

Prediabetes affects how the body regulates blood sugar and increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes if left unaddressed. Understanding the condition early allows for targeted lifestyle changes that can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.

What Is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes occurs when the body begins to struggle with insulin sensitivity, causing glucose to build up in the bloodstream. Many people with prediabetes don’t experience noticeable symptoms, which is why it often goes undiagnosed.

Without intervention, prediabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes, increasing the risk of heart disease, nerve damage, and other complications.

Signs and Risk Factors

While prediabetes is often silent, some people may experience:

• Increased thirst or hunger
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Blurred vision

Common risk factors include:

• Family history of diabetes
• Being overweight or inactive
• Insulin resistance
• History of gestational diabetes
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

How Prediabetes Is Diagnosed

Prediabetes is usually identified through routine blood tests, such as:

• A1C test
• Fasting blood glucose test
• Oral glucose tolerance test

Early testing is critical, especially if you have risk factors or a family history of diabetes.

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Prediabetes does not mean diabetes is inevitable. Many people successfully lower their blood sugar levels by:

• Improving diet quality
• Increasing physical activity
• Losing excess weight
• Managing stress and sleep
• Monitoring blood sugar when recommended

Small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference.