What Does It Mean to Be Prediabetic?

Understanding Prediabetes

Prediabetes is a condition where 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 if lifestyle changes are not made.

What Are the Numbers?

Prediabetes is typically diagnosed with the following test results:

• A1C Level: 5.7% to 6.4%
• Fasting Blood Sugar: 100 to 125 mg/dL
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: 140 to 199 mg/dL

Why Is Prediabetes a Concern?

Prediabetes increases your risk of:

• Developing type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Other diabetes-related complications

What Should You Do?

• Consult Your Doctor: They will confirm the diagnosis and guide you on next steps.
• Lifestyle Changes:
  • Eat a balanced diet (focus on whole foods, vegetables, and lean proteins).
  • Exercise regularly (aim for at least 30 minutes most days of the week).
  • Lose weight if overweight or obese (even a 5-7% weight loss can make a difference).
• Monitor Blood Sugar: Keep track of your levels to see progress.
• Medication: In some cases, doctors 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 onset of type 2 diabetes.