Whenever it is time for my annual checkup with my doctor, she seems concerned about my blood sugar levels, and she always tests for prediabetes. Whether it is because I carry some excess weight around my midsection or because she is just doing her due diligence, I appreciate this about her because I am a firm believer in catching things early, so there’s a chance to fix them before they get out of hand.
Thus far, my tests have always come back within the normal ranges, and for that, I am thankful. A friend of mine, who is technically much fitter and healthier than I am, occasionally returns with her blood sugar registering on the high side. Considering how physically active she is, running marathons and freestyle swimming daily, it frustrates her. It didn’t make sense to her how she could have high blood sugar until she realized that some people are just at higher risk for it than others. Now, she manages her prediabetes with diet and exercise and is always encouraging others to have their sugar levels checked, no matter how healthy they are.
American Diabetes Alert Day 2025 falls on March 25th. It is the perfect time to consider chatting with a healthcare practitioner about personal risk factors for prediabetes and preventative measures, as well as potentially checking blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented in many cases by catching it early and making some lifestyle changes, and having a test for prediabetes can be the first step in this prevention process.
What is prediabetes?
Prediabetes occurs when the body starts to resist insulin, leading to blood sugar levels that are higher than usual but not yet in the diabetic range. The pancreas still produces insulin, but either the amount is insufficient, or the body is unable to use it effectively. This condition serves as a precursor for diabetes mellitus and should serve as a warning sign to take steps toward preventing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
What are the symptoms of prediabetes? 
There is no single test for prediabetes, so it can be challenging to detect because it often has no noticeable symptoms. As a result, many people are unaware that they have the condition until their body develops diabetes.
However, if symptoms do occur, the ones most commonly noticed include increased thirst, fatigue, frequent urination, excessive hunger, dry mouth, fruity-smelling breath, blurry vision, extreme tiredness, body aches, and slow-healing wounds or infections. If someone has been experiencing these symptoms for more than two weeks without a clear reason, they should contact their doctor as soon as possible.
What causes prediabetes?
The exact cause of prediabetes is unknown, but several risk factors play a role. A key factor is insulin resistance, which is often linked to a lack of physical activity and being overweight or obese. Genetics can also contribute, as having a family history of diabetes increases the likelihood of developing prediabetes.
Who is at risk for diabetes?
Some risk factors for diabetes can be managed, but others cannot. These include having a close family member with the condition, being age 45 or older, or belonging to certain ethnic sectors of the American public that are particularly vulnerable, including African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Asian Americans. Other factors include having Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), conditions like Cushing’s Syndrome or Acromegaly, or sleep apnea. Women who had gestational diabetes during pregnancy are also at higher risk. Additionally, taking medications like steroids, antipsychotics, or HIV treatments can increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.
The more risk factors a person has, the greater their chance of developing prediabetes.
Other risk factors for diabetes can be managed through lifestyle changes. These include being overweight or obese, consuming a diet high in saturated fats and added sugars, and leading a sedentary lifestyle without regular physical activity. Uncontrolled high blood pressure or high cholesterol, as well as having metabolic syndrome, a condition characterized by high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and a larger waist size, also increases the risk. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are additional factors. By adopting healthier habits, individuals can significantly reduce their chances of becoming diabetic. Maintaining daily physical activity and a healthy weight, particularly around the abdomen, is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of prediabetes.
What happens in prediabetes testing?
Prediabetes can be diagnosed through several tests, all of which check the sugar levels in a person’s blood.
- A fingerstick blood glucose test can be done at home using a glucometer and test strips, which are available at most pharmacies. To ensure accurate results, the person being tested should avoid eating for at least two hours before the test.
- The A1C test checks a person’s average blood sugar over three months. It is usually done at a lab, but now there are options to test A1C levels at home.
- A glucose tolerance test checks how the body handles sugar. The patient drinks a sugary liquid containing 75 grams of carbohydrates, and their blood sugar is tested before and after drinking it. This test is done at a doctor’s office or lab to see if blood sugar levels rise more than normal.
Prediabetes is diagnosed when certain blood sugar levels fall within specific ranges. This includes fasting blood sugar levels between 100 and 125 mg/dL, blood sugar levels between 140 and 199 mg/dL two hours after a glucose tolerance test, or an A1C level between 5.7% and 6.4%.
How often should you get tested for prediabetes?
For individuals at high risk of prediabetes or diabetes, doctors may recommend regular blood sugar checks and may also perform an A1C test every few months. Patients can also monitor their blood sugar levels more often at home using a glucometer and test strips, which are available at most pharmacies.
Individuals who notice patterns or shifts in their blood sugar levels over time, particularly after eating, should contact their doctor.
What do you do if you’ve been recently diagnosed with prediabetes?
Prediabetes can often be reversed with lifestyle changes. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that losing just 5-7% of body weight and getting at least 150 minutes of exercise per week can help many people improve their condition and prevent it from progressing.
The National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP), recognized by the CDC, is a proven program available nationwide. It helps participants learn how to reverse prediabetes. Research indicates that participating in the NDPP can lower the chances of developing type 2 diabetes by 58%, and by 71% for those over 60.
Can prediabetes come back once you reverse it?
If someone stops exercising and following a healthy diet, they may be at risk of developing prediabetes again, which also increases their chances of getting type 2 diabetes. That’s why making lasting lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight, is essential to prevent the return of prediabetes.
FAQs
Is diabetes curable?
Diabetes currently has no cure, but it is possible for the condition to enter remission. This means blood sugar levels can return to a normal range without the need for medication. Ongoing lifestyle changes, like a healthy diet and regular exercise, are often crucial for maintaining it.
How common is prediabetes?
Prediabetes is widespread, affecting an estimated 84 million adults in the U.S. This means over one-third of adults under 65 are impacted.
How long does it take for prediabetes to progress to full type 2 diabetes?
The progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes varies from person to person. On average, without lifestyle changes, about 25% of people with prediabetes develop type 2 diabetes within five years. However, the timeline depends on several factors, including diet, physical activity, genetics, and overall health.
