Understanding the Signs of Prediabetes
Prediabetes is a diagnosis made by your doctor if you have glucose levels that are elevated above normal, but not quite elevated enough to be considered type 2 diabetes.
Most people are diagnosed with a test called an A1C. If their A1C is 5.7% or above, they are considered prediabetic.
Many people that are living with prediabetes don’t even have a clue.
Statistics show that in 2021, 97.6 million adults in the United States alone, were living with diabetes and that more than 8 in 10 adults don’t know they have it.
I know for me, it's something that I keep myself aware of because of the diabetes in my family and my history of gestational diabetes.
It is very important to know the 5 key signs of prediabetes so as to recognize them early and prevent type 2 diabetes down the road.
The 5 Key Signs of Prediabetes Are:
1. Constant Fatigue: A Common Sign of Prediabetes
Insulin resistance is a key contributing factor in prediabetes and is when the cells of your body become less sensitive to insulin.
This impedes the body from effectively moving the glucose from the bloodstream into the cells to be used for energy.
The glucose then accumulates in the bloodstream, bringing the blood glucose level above what is normal and natural for your body.
Without having the energy from the glucose being effectively transferred and used by the cells of the body, it affects your level of energy and often leads to persistent fatigue.
With the insulin resistance and ineffective use of your glucose, your blood sugar will start to have fluctuating levels that can cause tiredness throughout the day.
If you have unexplained fatigue frequently and there isn’t a good explanation you are aware of, see your doctor and let them know your symptoms.
2. Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination: Key Signs of Prediabetes
Increased thirst is another key sign of prediabetes and this is because elevated blood sugar can cause dehydration. With elevated blood sugar, the kidneys work harder to filter out the additional glucose.
In this process, more fluids are removed from the tissues of the body, leading to dehydration. The brain then signals the body to increase fluid intake to replace the lost fluids.
With the brain telling the body to consume more fluids, this will then lead to more frequent urination and a cycle of increased thirst and frequent urination starts.
If you are experiencing these symptoms and they persist, let your doctor know.
3. Unexplained Weight Changes: A Warning Sign of Prediabetes
Insulin resistance can contribute to unexplained weight gain as the body is not effectively using the glucose for energy and therefore stores it as fat.
The more insulin resistant a person becomes, the more their body tries to compensate by producing more insulin.
With the increase in insulin production, the body is signaled to again store the excess glucose as fat. It becomes more efficient at storing the excess as fat than producing energy from the glucose.
This struggle the body is experiencing to process glucose can lead to fluctuations in metabolism and appetite. It is important to track sudden weight gain if unexplained.
4. Darkened Skin Patches: A Visible Sign of Prediabetes
Acanthosis Nigricans is a visible skin condition that appears velvety and darker than the rest of your skin. It usually appears in places where your body has folds, such as your neck, armpits, or groin.
This is directly linked to insulin resistance because high levels of insulin can stimulate the growth of skin cells that look like dark velvety patches.
As with any of these symptoms, if you notice unusual darkened skin patches, have your doctor take a look.
5. Slow Wound Healing and Frequent Infections: Potential Signs of Prediabetes
High levels of glucose in the blood contribute to a weakened immune system because it slows down circulation, which disrupts the body's healing process.
Because of this, even minor cuts or infections can take much longer to heal than in a person who doesn’t have elevated blood sugar.
Often, wounds and cuts that take longer to heal happen on the extremities of those who have high blood sugar.
If you notice a wound on your foot that doesn’t seem to be healing in a reasonable amount of time, ensure you follow up on this.
When to See a Doctor for Signs of Prediabetes
The 5 key warning signs of prediabetes may not be seen in everyone, but anyone that may be at risk for prediabetes should make themselves aware of them.
You are at risk for prediabetes if you have a family history of diabetes, previously had a diagnosis of gestational diabetes, if you carry excess weight, and if you live a sedentary lifestyle.
If you are at risk for prediabetes, I recommend ensuring you are living a healthy lifestyle - a well balanced diet of whole foods and consistent exercise.
Additionally, It would be good to ask your doctor if you can have routine, or at least yearly, blood testing to ensure early detection.
It is important to remember that prediabetes does not always have signs or symptoms so it is imperative to be screened if you have a strong family history of diabetes or were diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
If you’ve been diagnosed with prediabetes, now is the time to take action before it progresses to type 2 diabetes.
The good news? Prediabetes is reversible with the right strategies!
I specialize in helping people like you navigate blood sugar management, make realistic lifestyle changes, and take control of your health - without confusion or overwhelm.
Book a FREE consultation today and get a personalized plan to lower your blood sugar, improve your energy, and prevent diabetes for good!
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Meet 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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