How to Know If You're Prediabetic

What is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. It is a warning sign that you are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of Prediabetes

Prediabetes often has no clear symptoms, but some people may experience:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision

However, many people with prediabetes show no symptoms at all, which is why testing is important.

How to Diagnose Prediabetes

Prediabetes is diagnosed through blood tests. The most common tests include:

• A1C Test: Measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. A result between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes.
• Fasting Blood Sugar Test: Measures blood sugar after fasting for at least 8 hours. A result between 100 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood sugar before and 2 hours after drinking a sugary drink. A result between 140 mg/dL and 199 mg/dL indicates prediabetes.

Who Should Get Tested?

You should consider getting tested if you have any of the following risk factors:

• Overweight or obese
• Family history of diabetes
• Sedentary lifestyle
• High blood pressure or cholesterol
• History of gestational diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Age 45 or older

What Should You Do If You're Prediabetic?

• Lifestyle Changes:
  • Adopt a healthy diet (focus on whole foods, vegetables, and lean proteins).
  • Exercise regularly (aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week).
  • Lose weight if overweight or obese.
• Regular Monitoring: Keep track of your blood sugar levels and follow up with your doctor.
• Medication: In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medications like metformin to help manage blood sugar levels.

Can Prediabetes Be Reversed?

Yes! With lifestyle changes, many people can reverse prediabetes and prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes.