What Is Prediabetes and How Is It Diagnosed?

If you identify prediabetes in time, you can delay and even prevent the development of diabetes, a chronic disease that affects the use of glucose, which acts as a source of energy or fuel for the body.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that up to 50% of people with prediabetes will progress to type 2 diabetes within 5 to 10 years. The lifetime risk of developing type 2 diabetes is even higher, reaching 57.5% for women and 46.1% for men at age 45 with prediabetes.

If prediabetes progresses, there are long‑term complications:

Cardiovascular issues:

Higher risk of heart disease
Increased likelihood of stroke
Elevated blood pressure
Abnormal cholesterol levels

Kidney problems:

Early kidney damage
Increased risk of chronic kidney disease

Nerve damage:

Early peripheral neuropathy
Numbness or tingling in extremities

Eye problems:

Increased risk of retinopathy
Vision changes

Cognitive effects:

Possible increased risk of cognitive decline
Higher risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease

Skin issues:

Darkened skin patches (acanthosis nigricans)

Sleep problems:

Higher risk of sleep apnea
Disturbed sleep patterns

How is prediabetes diagnosed?

Prediabetes usually does not have any signs, but there are symptoms that can indicate prediabetes in some cases:

• Increased thirst

• Increased hunger

• Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet

• Fatigue

• Frequent urination

• Darkened skin, primarily on the neck, armpits, and groin

• Involuntary weight loss

• Blurry vision

Any person who has risk factors, such as excess weight, family history of diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, and high blood pressure, cholesterol, or triglycerides, is advised to get tested. There are several options for finding out if you have prediabetes.

How is prediabetes treated?

To manage or prevent diabetes, experts recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight, especially when the weight is stored around the abdomen, increases the risk of developing diabetes. Specialists recommend losing between 5 to 10% of excess weight, not regaining it, and keeping it off over the long term. This can also protect against other types of health problems.

Eat a healthy diet

The best options include: Fruits and vegetables, foods with fiber, healthy fats, and herbal tea

Limit or eliminate from your diet:

Added sugars (usually present in processed foods); refined products, such as white flour and rice; sodas and commercial juices; red meat (especially if it is processed) and cold cuts.

Exercise

Physical activity serves a dual purpose for people with prediabetes: it increases the body’s glucose consumption and stimulates the muscle fibers, encouraging the transport of sugar into cells. Try riding a bike, swimming, or even walking.

Avoid tobacco

Nicotine and certain chemical substances found in cigarettes damage cells, cause inflammation, affect the response to insulin, and elevate the risk of increased abdominal fat, all of which are risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

Take any necessary medications

If you have prediabetes and are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, your doctor may recommend certain medications, such as metformin (Glumetza). They may also prescribe medications to manage your cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Remember: If prediabetes is not treated, it can progress to type 2 diabetes, which puts you at higher risk of developing other health complications. The good news is that prediabetes is often reversible through lifestyle modifications like improved diet, increased physical activity, weight management, and regular monitoring of blood glucose levels. Early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of developing full type 2 diabetes and its associated complications.