What Is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a common health condition that affects how your body manages blood sugar. By understanding the onset of this health condition, you can make informed decisions about your health.

Let’s explore what prediabetes is, why it happens, and what you can do to manage your blood sugar levels.

What Exactly is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes occurs when your blood sugar (glucose) levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.

What is glucose? Glucose is the body's main source of energy and primarily comes from the foods you eat. This includes foods containing carbohydrates, such as bread, rice, fruits, and potatoes.

After eating, glucose enters the bloodstream and travels to the cells in different parts of the body, where it can be used for energy.

However, when blood sugar levels stay higher than normal over time, it may mean your body is having trouble keeping your blood sugar under control.

It’s important to remember: Having prediabetes does not mean you automatically have type 2 diabetes. With appropriate lifestyle changes, healthy eating choices, and healthcare provider’s advice, you can lower your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Understanding Insulin and Blood Sugar

Insulin is the hormone that is produced by the pancreas, an organ located behind your stomach. The main purpose of insulin is to help glucose move from your bloodstream into your body’s cells, where it can be used for energy.

When someone has prediabetes, their body may not respond to insulin as well as it should. This makes it harder for glucose to enter the cells. As a result, the pancreas may not make enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels normal.

What Are the Risk Factors for Prediabetes?

Prediabetes can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase your risk of developing the condition.

Some risk factors include:

Family history

Age

Body weight

Previous gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)

Ethnicity

Other hormonal conditions: such as polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which can affect how your body uses insulin and may increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Does Prediabetes Have Symptoms?

One of the challenging things about prediabetes is that most people do not experience noticeable symptoms.

An individual can have elevated blood sugar for years without realizing it. This is why routine medical check-ups are important!

In some cases, darkened patches of skin may develop around areas such as the neck, armpits, or groin. This can be a sign of insulin resistance.

The only way to confirm any risk is through appropriate blood testing.

How is Prediabetes Diagnosed?

Healthcare professionals use blood tests to measure blood glucose levels and determine whether someone has prediabetes.

Two commonly used tests include:

A1C test: measures your average blood sugar levels over approximately the past three months

Fasting blood glucose test: Measures your blood sugar after you have gone without food or drinks (except water) for at least 8 hours, usually overnight.

Can Prediabetes Be Reversed?

Making positive changes to your daily habits can help improve blood sugar levels. Healthy lifestyle changes including but not limited to: choosing balanced meals, staying physically active, and getting enough sleep can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes

References:

Mayo Clinic. (2026). Prediabetes: Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prediabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355278

Diabetes Canada. Prediabetes. https://www.diabetes.ca/what-is-diabetes/types-of-diabetes/prediabetes

General nutrition education. This article does not replace individualized advice from a qualified healthcare professional.