When to Check Blood Sugar for Prediabetes

What is 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.

When Should You Check Your Blood Sugar?

If you have risk factors for prediabetes, it is important to check your blood sugar levels regularly. Here are some key times to monitor:

• Routine Checkups: During annual physical exams, especially if you have risk factors like obesity, family history of diabetes, or a sedentary lifestyle.
• After a High-Risk Diagnosis: If you have been diagnosed with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or gestational diabetes.
• Before and After Meals: Monitoring fasting blood sugar (before meals) and postprandial blood sugar (after meals) can provide insights into how your body processes glucose.
• When Experiencing Symptoms: Symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or blurred vision may indicate elevated blood sugar levels.

What Are the Recommended Tests?

• Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG): Measures blood sugar after an overnight fast. A level of 100-125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood sugar before and after consuming a glucose-rich drink. A level of 140-199 mg/dL after 2 hours indicates prediabetes.
• Hemoglobin A1C Test: Measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. An A1C of 5.7-6.4% indicates prediabetes.

What Should You Do If You Have Prediabetes?

• Lifestyle Changes:
  • Adopt a healthy diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables.
  • Engage in regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week).
  • Lose weight if overweight or obese.
• Regular Monitoring: Work with your healthcare provider to monitor your blood sugar levels and track progress.
• Medication: In some cases, medications like metformin may be prescribed to help manage blood sugar levels.