About Prediabetes
What is prediabetes?
Prediabetes means that your blood glucose (blood sugar) is higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. If your healthcare professional tells you that you have prediabetes, it means your body is starting to have trouble managing blood sugar. Without healthy lifestyle changes, your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes may be higher.
The good news is that prediabetes is a warning sign and a chance to take action early.
View resource: Understanding Type 2 Diabetes (PDF)
A fasting blood sugar level between 100 and 125 mg/dL is a sign of prediabetes.
To understand prediabetes, it helps to know two things:
- What happens during digestion that causes blood sugar to rise
- What happens when too much sugar stays in the bloodstream
When food is broken down into sugar, insulin helps move that sugar into your cells so your body can use it for energy. With prediabetes, this process doesn’t work as well, so sugar stays in the blood longer than it should.
Understanding this can help you take steps now to prevent diabetes and other health problems.
People living with prediabetes are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. They also have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
What does prediabetes mean for my health?
Learning that you have prediabetes can feel worrying, but it’s also useful information. It gives you a chance to take action early and protect your health.
Many people living with prediabetes are able to lower their blood sugar and improve how their body uses insulin by making lifestyle changes.
Sometimes, your healthcare professional may also recommend medication to help keep blood sugar from rising. Medication can help, but healthy daily habits are still essential.
What treatments are most helpful?
For most people, the strongest tools are lifestyle changes. Many benefit from focusing on three main areas:
If you smoke, quitting is also one of the most important steps you can take for your overall health.
Other habits like managing stress, getting enough sleep and staying consistent may seem small, but they can make a big difference.
Even if you already have prediabetes, it’s not too late. The steps you take now can help prevent diabetes and protect your heart.
As you become more active, you may notice more energy and strength. A short daily walk can grow into longer walks, biking and other activities you enjoy. Learning about healthy foods can lead to trying new recipes and enjoying cooking in new ways. What you discover will be your own adventure.
Can I go from having prediabetes to having neither prediabetes nor diabetes?
Yes, it’s possible. By sticking with healthy lifestyle changes, some people are able to reverse prediabetes and avoid or delay Type 2 diabetes. Even people who already have diabetes can slow how it progresses and lower their risk of complications by building healthier habits. In general, the earlier you start, the more benefits you may see.
If you’ve been told you have prediabetes, working with your healthcare team can help create a plan that fits your life and supports your long-term health.
