Prediabetes is a condition in which blood glucose / blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes can develop into type 2 diabetes if left untreated.
Most people with prediabetes do not experience any symptoms, however some people may experience:
The exact cause of prediabetes is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Common risk factors for prediabetes include:
The primary treatment for prediabetes is lifestyle modification, which includes:
People who are overweight, have a family history of diabetes, are over the age of 45, or have other risk factors for diabetes should get tested.
People with diabetes should get their blood sugar levels tested regularly, as recommended by their healthcare provider. This may be several times a day for people with type 1 diabetes, and at least once a year for people with type 2 diabetes.
People can prevent or manage diabetes by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, being physically active, quitting smoking, and managing stress. They may also need to take medication or insulin injections as prescribed by their healthcare provider.
fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test is a type of blood test that measures blood sugar levels after an overnight fast. It is used to diagnose diabetes and pre-diabetes.
Hemoglobin A1C test is a type of blood test that measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It is used to diagnose diabetes and to monitor blood sugar levels in people who have already been diagnosed with diabetes.
