Prediabetes
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 7, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Prediabetes
is a blood glucose (sugar) level that is higher than normal. It is not high enough to be considered diabetes. Prediabetes increases your risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The risk is highest if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
The following increase your risk for prediabetes:
- Excess body weight or obesity
- Lack of physical activity
- Older age
- Family history of diabetes (parent or sibling)
- A history of heart disease, gestational diabetes, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- High blood pressure or cholesterol levels
- Having African American, Latino, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander heritage
- In children, having a mother with diabetes or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during the pregnancy
- Certain medicines such as steroids, antipsychotics, and medicines used to treat HIV infection
Signs and symptoms:
Prediabetes may not cause any symptoms.
Call your doctor if:
- You have more hunger or thirst than usual.
- You are urinating more often than usual.
- You are more physically and mentally tired than usual.
- You have blurred vision.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Prevent or delay type 2 diabetes:
Healthy choices work best to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes. You may be given the following guidelines from your healthcare provider:
- Get regular physical activity. Adults should get at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate physical activity every week. Spread the amount of activity over at least 3 days a week. Do not skip more than 2 days in a row. Children should get at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week. Examples of moderate physical activity include brisk walking, running, and swimming. Do not sit for longer than 30 minutes at a time. Work with your healthcare provider to create a plan for physical activity.
- Maintain a healthy body weight. Your healthcare provider can tell you what a healthy weight is for you. Your provider can help you create a weight-loss plan, if needed. Even a weight loss of 3% to 7% of excess body weight can be helpful.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods. Examples include vegetables, fruit, whole-grains, low-fat dairy, healthy fats, fish, and lean meat or protein foods. Eat fewer sweets, such as candy, cookies, regular soda, and sweetened drinks. You can also decrease calories by eating smaller portion sizes. Work with your healthcare provider or dietitian to develop a meal plan that is right for you.
- Take medicine as directed. Your healthcare provider may give diabetes medicine if you are at high risk for diabetes. You may also need medicines for high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
- Do not smoke. Do not use e-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco in place of cigarettes or to help you quit. They still contain nicotine. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help quitting.
- Start with small goals and work your way up. For example, a goal may be to get 3 days of physical activity each week. You can add a day after 3 weeks or so of activity. A goal may also be safe and steady weight loss. Examples are losing 1 to 2 pounds each week or focusing on losing 5 pounds at a time.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
You will need to return every year to get tested for diabetes, if you have prediabetes. Your provider may also recommend counseling to help you make food or physical activity changes. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Prediabetes
Treatment options
Care guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
