Prediabetes: Key Risk Factors and Effective Lifestyle Changes

Prediabetes: Key Risk Factors and Effective Lifestyle Changes

If you’re at risk for type 2 diabetes, you may develop a condition known as “prediabetes” first. Here’s US MED’s guide to prediabetes management.

Written by: US MED Staff

 Clinically Reviewed by: Shirley DeLeon, RD, CDCES

Many people who get diagnosed with type 2 diabetes feel like this disease came out of nowhere. In reality, that isn’t usually the case. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one in three adults in the U.S.—about 96 million people—have prediabetes, a condition that often precedes the development of type 2 diabetes.

Learning that you have prediabetes can be alarming, but there’s good news. If you have this condition, you still have time to delay the onset of type 2 diabetes – or avoid it entirely. To learn more about prediabetes from the team at US MED, keep reading.

What Is Prediabetes?

As its name suggests, prediabetes is closely linked to type 2 diabetes. However, this condition is not truly a type of diabetes, either. A prediabetes diagnosis indicates that you have higher-than-normal blood sugar, but your blood glucose levels are not high enough to be considered diabetes.

Prediabetes happens when your body’s cells don’t respond correctly to insulin. In response, your pancreas will ramp up insulin production – but eventually, it won’t be able to keep up with the increased demand. This process can result in prediabetes early on, but it can eventually cause type 2 diabetes if left unchecked.

The Warning Signs of Prediabetes

Though prediabetes is common in America, people who know they have this condition are considerably harder to find. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 8 in 10 adults with prediabetes don’t know they have it. Since prediabetes often has no apparent symptoms, it’s crucial to know if you’re at risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), several factors may increase your risk for developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, including:

• Excess weight — especially carrying extra fat around the abdomen (“central obesity”)
• Age 45 or older
• A family history of type 2 diabetes (parent or sibling)
• Physical inactivity (being active fewer than 3 times per week)
• Having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Previously having gestational diabetes
• Giving birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more

Do you fit into one or more of these categories? If so, talk to your doctor about potential treatment options including blood sugar testing.

Prediabetes Complications

Naturally, the most prominent complication of prediabetes is type 2 diabetes. These risks should be taken seriously and discussed with your physician. These can include:

• Heart disease/stroke
• Nerve damage
• Kidney disease
• High cholesterol
• Blindness and other vision problems
• High blood pressure

Even if your prediabetes doesn’t get worse, the condition may have other complications of its own.

Is Prediabetes a Concern? Download 7 Smart Questions You can Ask Your Doctor

We understand that recognizing possible prediabetes may feel overwhelming. We've created this complimentary guide, 7 Important Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Diabetes, to help you prepare for a productive conversation with your healthcare provider. Whether you're seeking clarity, exploring testing options, or looking for ways to stay ahead of complications, these questions empower you to advocate for your health with confidence.