Spotting Prediabetes Early: What You Need to Know

Many patients ask about the symptoms of prediabetes—when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetic range. They wonder if specific cravings or bouts of hunger indicate something is wrong. The truth is, there are usually no visible signs of prediabetes, and it can only be detected through routine screening. By the time symptoms like fatigue, frequent urination, or unexplained hunger or thirst appear, you've likely already developed diabetes.

What defines prediabetes

Before diabetes fully develops, there's an intermediate stage called prediabetes. This condition can be categorized as Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG), where blood sugar is higher than normal after fasting, or Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT), where blood sugar rises higher than normal after eating, or sometimes a combination of both. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), prediabetes is diagnosed when fasting plasma glucose is between:

110 and 125 mg/dL

Two hours after eating, blood sugar levels range from:

141 to 199 mg/dL.

A fasting blood sugar level above 126 mg/dL confirms diabetes.

Why reversing prediabetes is critical

Prediabetes isn’t a harmless condition—it can lead to severe outcomes like heart attacks, disease, and strokes. Early diagnosis is key because prediabetes elevates not only blood sugar but also blood pressure and cholesterol levels. During this phase, long-term damage to blood vessels, the heart, and kidneys may already be happening. Many people don’t realize the distinction between prediabetes and diabetes was made because overtly diabetic individuals face higher risks of eye infections, kidney problems, and nerve complications.

How to prevent prediabetes from progressing

Research shows that lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and weight loss are the most effective ways to reverse prediabetes. If lifestyle adjustments aren't enough, metformin has been approved for prediabetes treatment, though other medications are not recommended at this stage.

Who should be screened?

All adults over 30 should consider prediabetes screening. However, it's especially important for those with a family history of diabetes, obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high stress levels, or a lack of physical activity. Two essential tests to consider are the oral glucose tolerance test (OGT) and the haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) test, which provides an average blood sugar level over three months.

Courtesy of Heathline

For those already diagnosed with diabetes, reversing the condition may be difficult, but managing it is achievable. Keeping your ABC levels under control—A1c below 6.4%, blood pressure in a normal range, and cholesterol in check—can help ensure a long and healthy life.