Prediabetes is a health condition characterized by blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not high enough for a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. However, much like Type 2 diabetes, there can still be serious health implications with prediabetes. Over time, unmanaged prediabetes can potentially cause damage to your heart, blood vessels and kidneys, increasing your risk of not only Type 2 diabetes but also heart disease and stroke.
More than one in three adults in the U.S. has prediabetes. However, since there aren’t always obvious symptoms, the condition can easily go unnoticed. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of your blood sugar levels and risk factors. By recognizing the signs and risk factors of prediabetes early, you can take steps to manage the condition and help prevent the progression to Type 2 diabetes and other related chronic conditions.
What is prediabetes and how is it diagnosed?
Healthy fasting blood sugar (or glucose) levels typically range between 70-99 mg/dL. In people with prediabetes, blood sugar levels are usually 100-125 mg/dL.
There are a couple of different tests that can screen for diabetes, including:
- Fasting plasma glucose test: Given after a period of fasting (at least 8 hours), this test measures your blood sugar levels at the time of the blood draw
- Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test: This test reflects your average blood sugar levels over an extended period (8-12 weeks)
Fasting glucose tests will provide a snapshot of blood sugar levels at the time of the test, and HbA1c tests will give you a big-picture view of your blood sugar levels over the last couple of months. Both tests are useful screening tools for prediabetes.
What causes prediabetes?
To understand prediabetes, it's important to understand the role of insulin in our bodies. When you digest food, sugar enters your bloodstream. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, allows this sugar to enter your cells, lowering the amount of sugar in your blood.
However, in prediabetes, one of two things may happen:
- Your pancreas may not produce enough insulin
- Your cells may become resistant to insulin and won't allow as much sugar in
Both scenarios can lead to higher glucose (sugar) levels in the bloodstream, which is a key indicator of prediabetes.
Risk factors for prediabetes
The same factors that increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes can also raise your risk of prediabetes. These include:
- Being overweight
- Eating a diet high in sugar and processed foods
- Lack of physical activity
- Family history of diabetes
- Age (risk increases as you get older, starting at age 45)
- Race or ethnicity (Black, Hispanic, American Indian, Pacific Islander and Asian American people are more likely to develop prediabetes)
- Sleep apnea
- Smoking
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- History of gestational diabetes
Some risk factors like age, race or family history aren't within your control, but others may be related to health or lifestyle habits. It's important to talk to your healthcare provider about what you can do to manage your risk or prevent progression to Type 2 diabetes.
Signs and symptoms of prediabetes
Most people with prediabetes don't show any symptoms, which is why screening with measures like an HbA1c test is important. However, some possible signs of prediabetes may include:
- Darkened skin in the armpit or back and sides of the neck (known as acanthosis nigricans)
- Skin tags
- Eye changes (e.g., blurred vision, damaged blood vessels in the eye), which may lead to diabetes-related retinopathy
Managing prediabetes and lowering your risk of Type 2 diabetes
If left unmanaged, prediabetes can be associated with serious complications, including:
- Progression to Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Fatty liver disease
- Other chronic metabolic health issues
To manage (or even potentially reverse) prediabetes, healthy lifestyle choices are crucial. These may include:
- Healthy eating: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins
- Regular physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week
- Weight loss: Even a modest weight loss of 5%-7% of your body weight can significantly reduce your risk of progression to Type 2 diabetes
- Managing blood pressure and cholesterol: Keep these in check through diet, exercise and medication if necessary
- Avoiding smoking: If you smoke, consider quitting
In some cases, your healthcare provider may also recommend medication alongside healthy lifestyle habits to help manage prediabetes and lower the risk of progression to Type 2 diabetes. It's important to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine whether medication may be needed and to help you properly monitor your blood sugar levels.
For those already diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes, Labcorp OnDemand offers a Diabetes Management Test. This test includes a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) and cholesterol and lipid panel, helping you monitor not just blood sugar, but also cholesterol and other related metabolic health factors.
Remember: Prediabetes doesn't have to lead to Type 2 diabetes. With awareness, regular screening and healthy lifestyle choices, you can take control of your health and potentially reverse prediabetes or prevent its progression to Type 2 diabetes.
