What the numbers mean, who may be at risk, and practical steps that can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes
Healthy Living by Diabetic Supplies Inc.
Prediabetes can sound frightening, but it is also an important opportunity. It means your blood sugar is higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. With the right follow-up and consistent changes, many people can bring their blood sugar back toward a healthier range and lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The big takeaway
Prediabetes is not something to ignore, but it is not a guarantee that you will develop type 2 diabetes. Knowing your numbers gives you time to take action.
What Is Prediabetes?
Insulin is a hormone that helps move glucose from the bloodstream into the body’s cells, where it can be used for energy. When cells do not respond well to insulin, the pancreas may have to work harder to keep blood sugar in a healthy range. Over time, blood sugar can begin to rise. This is called insulin resistance, and it is a common part of prediabetes.
Prediabetes matters because it raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The good news is that small, realistic changes can make a meaningful difference.
Prediabetes Often Has No Clear Symptoms
Many people with prediabetes feel completely fine. That is why testing is so important. Prediabetes may be present for years without obvious warning signs.
Contact a healthcare professional if you notice increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, unusual fatigue, increased hunger, or sores that are slow to heal. These symptoms do not prove that you have diabetes, but they are a reason to be evaluated.
Who May Be at Higher Risk?
Anyone can develop prediabetes, including younger adults and children. Your chance may be higher if one or more of the following applies to you:
You have overweight or obesity.
You are age 45 or older.
A parent, brother, or sister has type 2 diabetes.
You are physically active fewer than three times per week.
You have had gestational diabetes or delivered a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.
You have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, or fatty liver disease.
You are African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander, or part of some Asian American populations, which experience higher rates of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Some risk factors cannot be changed, but they can help you and your healthcare professional decide when testing and follow-up are appropriate.
How Is Prediabetes Diagnosed?
Prediabetes is diagnosed with laboratory blood testing—not by symptoms alone. A healthcare professional may use one or more of these tests:
| Test | What It Measures | Prediabetes Range |
|---|---|---|
| A1C | Average blood sugar over about 3 months | 5.7% to 6.4% |
| Fasting plasma glucose | Blood sugar after fasting for at least 8 hours | 100 to 125 mg/dL |
| 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test | Blood sugar 2 hours after a glucose drink | 140 to 199 mg/dL |
A diagnosis may need to be confirmed with repeat testing. Certain health conditions that affect red blood cells or hemoglobin can also affect A1C results, so your healthcare professional may recommend a different test.
Six Practical Steps You Can Start With
1. Know your numbers and keep your follow-up appointments
Ask what your results mean, when you should be tested again, and whether other measurements—such as blood pressure or cholesterol—should also be checked. Prediabetes should be monitored over time.
2. Build meals around balance instead of perfection
Fill much of your plate with nonstarchy vegetables, add lean protein, and choose moderate portions of high-fiber carbohydrates such as beans, whole grains, fruit, or starchy vegetables. Choose water or an unsweetened drink more often than soda, sweet tea, or sports drinks.
3. Move more in ways that fit your life
Work toward at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, such as brisk walking. Start with shorter sessions if needed—even 10-minute walks can help build a routine.
4. If appropriate, aim for modest weight loss
For people who are overweight, losing about 5% to 7% of body weight can meaningfully reduce risk. Choose a safe, realistic goal with your healthcare professional.
5. Protect your sleep and manage stress
Good sleep and simple stress-management habits can support the other changes you are making. If you smoke or use nicotine, ask for help with quitting.
6. Ask whether a prevention program or medication is right for you
A CDC-recognized National Diabetes Prevention Program offers coaching, education, and group support. Medication may be appropriate for some people based on their risk and medical history. Discuss any medication or supplement with your healthcare professional.
Start Small—and Make It Repeatable
You do not have to change everything at once. Choose one or two actions you can repeat most days: replace one sugary drink with water, walk after dinner, add a vegetable to lunch, or schedule the blood test you have been putting off. Consistency matters more than perfection.
Prediabetes is a serious warning sign, but it is also a chance to protect your future health. Talk with your healthcare professional, learn your numbers, and build a plan that fits your needs.
How Diabetic Supplies Inc. can help
Diabetic Supplies Inc. helps coordinate prescribed diabetes supplies, required paperwork, insurance verification, and convenient home delivery. If you are diagnosed with diabetes and prescribed monitoring or insulin-pump supplies, call 1-800-231-3214 or visit diabeticsupplieinc.com to learn how we may be able to help.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Talk with a qualified healthcare professional about your health, testing, nutrition, activity, and medications.