What is Pre-Diabetes?

Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar (glucose) levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. It indicates an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke if no preventive steps are taken.

 Blood Sugar Levels:

  • Normal: Less than 100 mg/dL (fasting blood sugar).
  • Prediabetes: 100–125 mg/dL (fasting blood sugar).
  • Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher (fasting blood sugar).
  • A test called the A1C test (which measures average blood sugar over 2–3 months) can also indicate prediabetes. An A1C level between 5.7% and 6.4% signals prediabetes.

Prevalence: Approximately 97.6 million American adults (more than 1 in 3) have prediabetes as of 2021.

Gender Differences:

  • Men: 41% of adult men are affected.
  • Women: 32% of adult women are affected.

Age Groups:

  • Adults aged 18–44: 32.8 million.
  • Adults aged 45–64: 37.5 million.
  • Adults aged 65 and older: 27.2 million.

Prediabetes develops when the body starts becoming resistant to insulin (the hormone that helps glucose enter cells) or when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. This leads to a buildup of glucose in the blood.

  • Being overweight or obese.
  • Lack of physical activity.
  • Family history of Type 2 diabetes.
  • Age (higher risk after 45 years).
  • Ethnic background (higher risk in African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander populations).
  • History of gestational diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Most people with prediabetes do not experience noticeable symptoms. However, some may develop signs like:

  • Darkened patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans) on the neck, armpits, or groin.
  • Increased thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue (though rare in prediabetes).

Without intervention, many people with prediabetes progress to Type 2 diabetes within 5 years. However, early action can reverse or delay the condition.

Lifestyle Changes:

  • Healthy eating: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
  • Regular exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.
  • Weight loss: Losing just 5–7% of body weight can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

Monitoring:

  • Regular blood sugar and A1C testing.

Medications:

  • In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications like metformin to reduce blood sugar levels.

Prediabetes affects a significant portion of the U.S. population and serves as a warning sign for potential progression to Type 2 diabetes. Awareness, lifestyle changes, and regular medical monitoring are critical to reversing or managing the condition and improving overall health.

Take control of your health today. Better health IS within your reach.

Are you ready to start down the path to a healthier you? Reverse or manage a chronic disease?

Call Us:

(214) 643-6088
Scroll to Top