Prediabetes is a condition where blood glucose levels are above normal range, but not quite elevated enough to be type 2 diabetes. This is a warning sign that the individual is experiencing insulin resistance and is at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
The prevalence of prediabetes in the US alone continues to grow each year and the data from 2024 shows over 100 million people are living with prediabetes. This is 1 in 3 adults and the number is on track to continue growing.
It is extremely important to recognize the symptoms early and ensure proper screenings are being done if you have risk factors, in order to prevent type 2 diabetes.
Most people are unaware they have prediabetes and the current number in the US for those unaware is > 80%.
Some prediabetes symptoms to be aware of are: polydipsia (increased thirst), polyuria (frequent urination), fatigue, blurred vision, slow wound healing, darkened skin patches, and polyphagia (increased hunger).
But again, it is important to note that you may not experience these symptoms at all. Also, many people who may be experiencing some of the symptoms may believe they are related to other things and not be aware of the correlation to prediabetes.
What is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes is elevated blood glucose levels, but not yet considered elevated enough to be type 2 diabetes. The tests used to diagnose prediabetes are: the A1C test, fasting blood sugar, and the oral glucose tolerance test.
The normal range for the A1C test is below 5.7%, prediabetic range is 5.7% - 6.4%, and type 2 diabetes is 6.5% or more. A normal fasting glucose is anything less than 100, prediabetic range is 100-125, and type 2 diabetes is 126 or more on two separate tests.
The normal range following the oral glucose tolerance test is 140 or less, after two hours. Prediabetes range is 140-199 after two hours, and diabetes is 200 or higher, after two hours.
If prediabetes goes untreated and lifestyle changes are not made, it can and likely will progress to type 2 diabetes. With lifestyle changes, the blood glucose levels can be normalized and the progression to type 2 diabetes can be prevented.
Common Symptoms of Prediabetes
Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination
Increased thirst and frequent urination are fairly common symptoms experienced by those with prediabetes and diabetes. When glucose is elevated, the excess sugar in the blood-stream draws water from the tissues, which in turn leads to feeling thirsty.
With the glucose level being elevated, the body begins to try to expel the excess sugar, which leads to an increase in urination.
Unexplained Fatigue
Absorbing glucose from the blood-stream into the cells to be distributed and used for energy is a normal process; one that helps with energy levels. When this process is not functioning properly and the glucose is not being absorbed from the blood-stream by the cells, it is called insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance greatly impacts energy levels and makes you feel very fatigued as the cells are essentially starving, not receiving the fuel needed to function effectively.
Blurred Vision
When glucose levels are elevated, it can lead to fluid imbalances in the eye which leads to swelling of the lens, which affects the ability of the eye to focus properly, leading to blurred vision.
If this continues over time and glucose levels are not normalized, this can lead to diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is caused by sustained elevated glucose which damages the tiny blood vessels in the back of the eyes; if left untreated, this can lead to vision loss.
Slow Healing of Wounds
Wounds healing slower is another symptom and this is caused by the decreased circulation often experienced in people with chronic elevated glucose. Elevated glucose can lead to peripheral artery disease where the small blood vessels sustain damage which reduces blood flow to tissues.
This is reducing the critical delivery of oxygen and nutrients in the blood supply to the wound site for proper healing.
Darkened Skin Patches (Acanthosis Nigricans)
A hallmark of prediabetes and insulin resistance is acanthosis nigricans, which are darkened skin patches commonly seen on the neck, armpits, and groin.
The reason these patches form is because of a high amount of circulating insulin, which stimulates the growth of skin cells and melanin-producing cells, leading to dark and thickened appearance. Hormonal changes related to endocrine issues or weight gain can also prompt acanthosis nigricans.
Increased Hunger (Polyphagia)
Increased hunger is often experienced because despite insulin continuing to be produced (often an excess amount), the glucose is not efficiently entering the cells to be used for energy. They are basically starving because of the lack of energy needed to be effective and therefore triggering the feeling of hunger.
Consuming high carb meals and then experiencing a blood sugar spike, followed by reactive hypoglycemia is another cause of feeling excessive hunger.
Risk Factors for Developing Prediabetes
With prediabetes being so prevalent around the world and rapidly growing, it is very important for all people to know if they are at risk of developing prediabetes and what the risk factors are.
Some of the risk factors of developing prediabetes include: age 40 and above, a family history of diabetes, history of gestational diabetes, being overweight or obese (specifically a BMI of 25 or higher), high blood pressure, inactive lifestyle, and ethnicity (African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asians are at high risk).
What to Do if You Notice Prediabetes Symptoms
If you have any of the above risk factors and or notice any symptoms of prediabetes, it is very important to see a healthcare professional and discuss your concerns as soon as possible. Early diagnosis is key in preventing prediabetes from progressing to diabetes.
It is important to schedule an appointment and have the necessary blood tests done and also to begin tracking symptoms and any contributing lifestyle factors.
Preventing Prediabetes from Progressing with Lifestyle Changes
Knowing that one in three people have prediabetes and more than 80% of people living with prediabetes are unaware of it, it is very important for all of us to recognize the risk factors and ensure screening if applicable.
If diagnosed with prediabetes, it is of utmost importance to make the lifestyle changes necessary to prevent further progression.
One of these changes is healthy eating. Focusing on consuming more low-glycemic foods, which are foods that raise blood glucose levels more slowly and moderately.
Portion control is another important aspect to focus on, as over eating leads to weight gain and if consuming carbs and starchy foods in large portions, there is going to be a greater impact on glucose levels.
It is also beneficial to lose even just 5-10% of body weight. This can assist in halting the progression of prediabetes.
Stress management and good sleep hygiene are other lifestyle changes that should be focused on as stress and poor sleep can also cause an elevation in glucose levels.
Yoga, deep breathing, mindfulness, medication, exercise, and good sleep habits are all good ways to reduce stress and ensure good sleep.
Awareness is so important and early detection can save lives and prevent horrible complications down the road.
Prediabetes symptoms and risk factors should be taught to the general public so that people can be more proactive.
The key symptoms to watch for include: polydipsia (increased thirst), polyuria (frequent urination), fatigue, blurred vision, slow wound healing, darkened skin patches, and polyphagia (increased hunger).
I urge you to take action if you recognize any of these symptoms as prediabetes can be reversed and normal glucose maintained with proactive steps. If you have experienced any of these symptoms of prediabetes, reach out to your healthcare provider.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prediabetes and want to know how to take action and implement lifestyle changes now to halt the progression, call to talk directly with me and we can create a plan together.
About the Author
Hi! I’m Beth, a Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator. I provide diabetes coaching for newly diagnosed people with diabetes and also work with people who have been living with diabetes for some time.
With 1:1 coaching, you will feel empowered and supported to confidently manage your diabetes effectively - without it controlling your life! I can help you make sure that you feel good, stay in optimal health and take care of your well-being at all times.
First call is on me! Let’s talk.
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