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Studies show that prediabetes is associated with increased risks of death and cardiovascular events, with an additional 7.36 deaths and 8.75 heart disease cases per 10,000 person-years over 6.6 years. Prediabetes should not be ignored as it is a diabetes risk factor that can affect major organs, causing serious complications including nerve damage and amputation.
Prediabetes is a subtle yet critical stage between normal blood sugar levels and a definitive diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
This stage serves as an urgent signal for proactive action and informed choices. While often overlooked, this phase offers significant potential for lifestyle changes that can prevent prediabetes from progressing to diabetes.
What is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to diagnose diabetes. Adults with prediabetes often show no signs or symptoms even though their blood sugar is elevated.
Normal Blood Sugar Levels vs. Prediabetes
- Normal blood glucose: 70–99 mg/dL (3.9–5.5 mmol/L)
- Prediabetes: 110–125 mg/dL (5.6–6.9 mmol/L)
Although higher than normal, these levels do not meet criteria for diabetes, so many people are unaware they have prediabetes.
Signs and Symptoms of Prediabetes
Most people with prediabetes do not show symptoms. In some cases, signs may include:
- Increased appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Increased BMI (Body Mass Index)
- Fatigue or weakness
- Excessive sweating
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds or bruises
- Recurrent skin infections or gum bleeding
What Causes Prediabetes?
Hyperglycemia triggers pancreatic beta cells to produce and release insulin. Prolonged exposure to high insulin levels reduces insulin receptor responsiveness, impairing glucose uptake into cells.
When insulin receptors are impaired, hyperglycemia worsens, maintaining metabolic dysfunction and eventually leading to type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
In prediabetes, this process is less advanced but represents an early stage of potentially harmful metabolic changes.
Risk Factors for Prediabetes
Risk factors include:
- Overweight or obesity
- Family history of diabetes (parents or siblings)
- Lack of physical activity
- Health conditions such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- History of gestational diabetes
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Good news: Even if unmodifiable factors like age, ethnicity, or family history exist, lifestyle changes—healthy diet, weight management, and regular exercise—can drastically reduce the risk of insulin resistance and prediabetes.
Read more: Insulin Resistance Nutrition
How is Prediabetes Diagnosed?
Prediabetes is identified using three main tests:
1. HbA1c Test
Measures average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months.
- Normal: <5.7%
- Prediabetes: 5.7–6.4%
- Diabetes: ≥6.5%
2. Fasting Blood Glucose
Done after an 8-hour fast, usually in the morning.
- Normal: 3.9–5.5 mmol/L
- Prediabetes: 5.6–6.9 mmol/L
- Diabetes: ≥7 mmol/L
3. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
Measures blood sugar before and 2 hours after a sugary drink.
- Normal: <7.8 mmol/L
- Prediabetes: 7.8–11.0 mmol/L
- Diabetes: ≥11.0 mmol/L
How is Prediabetes Managed?
The good news: lifestyle changes can prevent or even reverse prediabetes. Steps include:
- Increase physical activity (≥150 min/week)
- Reduce calorie intake and follow a healthier diet
- Lose 5–10% of body weight
- Stop or reduce smoking
- Manage stress
Medications like Metformin may also be recommended to manage prediabetes.
Read more: How to Reduce Blood Sugar.
Can Prediabetes be Reversed?
Yes. With appropriate lifestyle interventions, many people can return blood glucose to normal ranges and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
How to Prevent Prediabetes
Three-part strategy:
- Lose weight
- Increase physical activity
- Eat a healthier diet
Incorporating these habits into daily life can significantly reduce prediabetes risk and promote overall health.
Read more: Foods to Avoid for Diabetes.
Schedule an Appointment at Pantai Hospital
Empower yourself with small but impactful lifestyle changes. Adjust your diet, increase activity, or seek timely medical guidance—each step today is an investment in your future health. Protect yourself not only from diabetes but foster a life of wellness and vitality.
Consult your doctor, get support from loved ones, and start your journey toward better health.
Contact us to schedule a diabetes screening or visit your nearest Pantai Hospital for consultation.
