Prediabetes

Prediabetes is a serious, often silent condition where blood glucose levels exceed normal ranges but haven't yet reached the threshold for type 2 diabetes diagnosis. With prediabetes, fasting blood sugar falls between 100–125 mg/dL, A1C levels range from 5.7%–6.4%, or glucose tolerance test results show 140–199 mg/dL.

The root cause is insulin resistance: cells don't respond normally to insulin, so sugar builds up in blood rather than fueling cells. The pancreas compensates by producing more insulin, but eventually can't keep up, causing blood sugar to climb further. Most people have no symptoms, making screening essential—especially for those over 45, overweight, or with a family history.

Prediabetes dramatically increases risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. However, it's fully reversible. Losing 7–10% of body weight, exercising 150 minutes weekly, eating whole grains, fiber-rich vegetables, lean proteins, and avoiding sugary drinks and red meats can normalize blood sugar. CDC-recognized lifestyle programs help prevent or delay diabetes in 58% of participants.

If lifestyle changes fail, doctors may prescribe metformin to slow progression. Reversal typically takes about three years with consistent effort. Early detection and action are crucial—without intervention, prediabetes almost always progresses to diabetes