Prediabetic Information

Prediabetes is a condition that precedes the development of type 2 diabetes. In prediabetics, blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to qualify them as diabetic.

Identification

• Individuals who have their blood sugar tested after fasting should have blood glucose levels under 100 mg/dl, or milligrams per deciliter. If their blood sugar levels are over 100, and below 125, they are prediabetic. Once fasting levels rise above 125, they are considered to be diabetic.

Symptoms

• Prediabetes has no visible or obvious symptoms, and can only be diagnosed with blood sugar testing. Because prediabetes has no discernible symptoms, individuals with risk factors should be tested every three years.

Risk Factors

• There are many risk factors for prediabetes, including gestational diabetes during pregnancy, being overweight, leading a sedentary lifestyle and having high cholesterol levels. In addition, individuals of African, Asian, or Native American descent are at a higher risk to experience high blood sugar levels.

Progression

• Prediabetes is a condition that often leads to diabetes if no action is taken on the part of the individual with high blood sugar levels. Over time, blood sugar levels will increase, as the body slowly loses the ability to effectively utilize the insulin produced by the pancreas.

Treatment

• A combination of lifestyle changes, diet and exercise are typically prescribed to prevent the development of diabetes and to lower blood glucose levels in the prediabetic.