Pre-diabetes is your body’s early warning signal that blood sugar regulation is beginning to falter. While your blood glucose levels are not high enough to be considered diabetes, they are no longer within the normal range. This condition is a major red flag for your long-term health, and the good news is that it is reversible if caught early.
With this blog, we explore the early signs of diabetes, common prediabetes symptoms, how a prediabetes diagnosis is made, and lifestyle changes that can prevent disease progression. We will also cover the prediabetes risk factors, the causes of prediabetes, and the value of a prediabetes test, whether at a clinic or as a home test.
What Is Pre-diabetes?
Pre-diabetes is a condition in which your blood glucose levels are elevated but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. It indicates impaired glucose regulation, either due to insulin resistance or a decline in insulin production.
According to the CDC, over 96 million adults in the U.S. have pre-diabetes, and more than 80% don’t even know they have it.
Diagnostic Criteria for Pre-diabetes:
- Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG): 100–125 mg/dL
- HbA1c: 5.7% to 6.4%
- Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT): 140–199 mg/dL (after 2 hours)
Early Signs of Diabetes You Should Know
While pre-diabetes often goes unnoticed, certain early warning signs can indicate your body is struggling with glucose control:
- Excessive thirst and frequent urination
- Unexplained fatigue, especially after meals
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds and cuts
- Unusual weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Dark patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans) on the neck or underarms
These early signs of diabetes don’t confirm the condition, but they signal the need for a prediabetes test and further evaluation.
Common Prediabetes Symptoms
In addition to the early signs, other subtle prediabetes symptoms can include:
- Sugar cravings after eating
- Brain fog or difficulty focusing
- Mood swings and irritability
- Tingling in fingers or toes
- Unrefreshing sleep or frequent nighttime urination
Though mild, these symptoms are your body’s way of alerting you to deeper metabolic issues.
What Causes Prediabetes?
Prediabetes is primarily caused by insulin resistance. When the body’s cells stop responding properly to insulin, glucose remains in the bloodstream instead of entering cells for energy.
Over time, the pancreas increases insulin production to compensate, but this leads to pancreatic fatigue and further imbalance.
Factors Contributing to Insulin Resistance:
- Excess abdominal fat
- High sugar and carbohydrate intake
- Chronic stress
- Poor sleep patterns
- Physical inactivity
- Inflammation and oxidative stress
Understanding the causes of prediabetes helps you reverse them before they evolve into diabetes.
Prediabetes Risk Factors
Certain groups are more vulnerable to developing prediabetes. Recognizing these prediabetes risk factors can help you act early:
- Age: Risk increases after 45
- Genetics: Family history of diabetes
- Weight: Overweight or obese individuals, especially with central obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle: Physical inactivity impairs insulin sensitivity
- Gestational diabetes: Women who had diabetes during pregnancy
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A common link in women
- Ethnicity: Higher risk in South Asians, African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans
How Is Pre-diabetes Diagnosed?
There are multiple ways to confirm a prediabetes diagnosis. If you have risk factors or symptoms, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following:
1. Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
- Measures blood sugar after an overnight fast
- A level of 100–125 mg/dL indicates pre-diabetes
2. HbA1c Test
- Reflects average blood glucose over 2–3 months
- A result between 5.7% and 6.4% signals pre-diabetes
3. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
- Measures how well your body handles glucose over 2 hours
- Levels between 140–199 mg/dL confirm pre-diabetes
Today, many labs offer convenient options for home tests for prediabetes, where trained professionals collect your blood sample from your home. In addition to these tests, Lupin Diagnostics also offers comprehensive test panels and packages for prediabetes assessment.
Importance of an HbA1c Test
The HbA1c test has become a gold standard for evaluating long-term blood sugar control. It’s often included in health check-up packages and is vital in both screening and monitoring diabetes progression.
The test:
- Requires no fasting
- Is highly reliable
- Can be repeated every 3–6 months to monitor changes
Why Early Detection of Prediabetes Is Crucial
Catching prediabetes early opens the door to reversal. Studies show that lifestyle changes can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes by over 58%, especially when guided by professionals.
If left unchecked, pre-diabetes can silently progress into:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Kidney damage
- Nerve damage
Getting a prediabetes test gives you the power to intervene before serious damage occurs.
What to Do After a Prediabetes Diagnosis
If diagnosed, don’t panic. Prediabetes is manageable, and reversible.
1. Nutrition Matters
- Reduce refined carbs and added sugars
- Choose complex carbs: oats, brown rice, and legumes
- Load up on fiber-rich vegetables and lean proteins
- Avoid sugary drinks; opt for water, herbal tea, or black coffee
2. Exercise Regularly
- 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly (brisk walking, swimming)
- Include strength training to improve insulin sensitivity
- Even daily movement—like taking stairs—makes a difference
3. Weight Management
Losing just 5–10% of your body weight can drastically lower your blood sugar and improve insulin function.
4. Sleep & Stress Control
- Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep
- Try meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises
- Minimize caffeine and screen time before bed
Monitoring and Follow-Up
Once diagnosed, regular monitoring is key:
- Check HbA1c every 3–6 months
- Track body weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure
- Use apps or journals to log meals, activity, and mood
Stay connected with your healthcare provider and seek guidance from a certified nutritionist or diabetes educator.
Preventing Pre-diabetes from Turning into Diabetes
Consistency is your best ally. Sustainable habits, not quick fixes, lead to lasting health. The goal is not just weight loss but metabolic health improvement.
Long-Term Prevention Tips:
- Maintain a consistent eating schedule
- Avoid crash diets or skipping meals
- Limit alcohol and quit smoking
- Keep blood lipids and blood pressure in check
- Stay informed and attend health screenings
Don’t Ignore the Signs
Pre-diabetes is a wake-up call, not a life sentence. With the right interventions, you can restore balance, reverse damage, and prevent complications.
By recognizing the early signs of diabetes, understanding prediabetes risk factors, and taking a prediabetes test, you take control of your health journey.
Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Book a prediabetes diagnosis or home test for prediabetes today. Early testing can make all the difference in protecting your future.
