Prediabetes happens when fasting blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Although not yet diabetes, prediabetes raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
This condition can be caused by several factors, including a sedentary lifestyle, eating foods high in sugar or refined carbohydrates, obesity, family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
Managing prediabetes and preventing its progression to type 2 diabetes involves following an endocrinologist’s recommendations, having regular blood sugar tests, staying physically active, and maintaining a balanced, fiber-rich diet.
Main symptoms
Prediabetes usually does not cause noticeable symptoms, but some people may experience:
-
Increased appetite
-
Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
-
Fatigue, weakness, or lack of energy
-
Blurred vision
-
Excessive sweating
-
Frequent infections
Prediabetes can last from 3 to 5 years, and without medical guidance, it often progresses to type 2 diabetes.
When is it considered prediabetes?
Prediabetes is diagnosed when fasting blood sugar levels fall between 100 and 125 mg/dL. A result above 125 mg/dL indicates diabetes, while normal fasting glucose is up to 99 mg/dL.
Confirming a diagnosis
Prediabetes is usually diagnosed by an endocrinologist through a fasting blood glucose test. Because it rarely causes symptoms, it is often detected during routine check-ups.
Other tests that may be recommended include the oral glucose tolerance test, where values between 140 mg/dL and 199 mg/dL indicate prediabetes, and the glycated hemoglobin test (HbA1c), where values between 5.7% and 6.4% suggest prediabetes.
These tests may be ordered when diabetes is suspected, in people with a family history of the disease, or during annual screenings.
Possible causes
The most common causes of prediabetes include:
-
Family history of diabetes mellitus
-
Excessive intake of foods high in sugar or refined carbohydrates
-
Obesity or overweight, especially with a BMI over 25 kg/m²
-
Lack of physical activity
-
High cholesterol and triglycerides
-
High blood pressure
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome or a history of gestational diabetes also have an increased risk of developing prediabetes.
Self-care for prediabetes
If prediabetes is diagnosed, the following measures are recommended:
1. Exercise regularly
Regular physical activity is essential in prediabetes because it improves the body’s sensitivity to insulin, helping to control blood sugar levels. For adults aged 18 to 64, the World Health Organization recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week.
2. Make dietary changes
Adjusting diet is key to managing prediabetes and preventing progression to type 2 diabetes. Increasing the intake of fiber- and protein-rich foods such as brown rice, dark leafy greens, and beans helps regulate blood sugar. At the same time, it is important to reduce fats, sugar, and salt. Ideally, a nutritionist should create an individualized meal plan based on nutritional needs.
Also recommended: Prediabetes Diet: Food to Eat & Avoid (w/ 3-Day Meal Plan) tuasaude.com/en/prediabetes-diet3. Have regular medical check-ups
Ongoing medical follow-up is necessary to monitor blood sugar levels. This allows the endocrinologist to evaluate whether prediabetes is under control, assess the risk of developing diabetes, and determine whether medication is needed.
Can prediabetes be reversed?
People who follow their doctor’s advice, adopt a healthier diet, and exercise regularly can return their blood sugar levels to normal, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, even after reversing prediabetes, it is important to maintain these lifestyle changes to prevent blood sugar from rising again.