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Pre-diabetes - Impaired Glucose Tolerance

A condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Overview

Pre-diabetes is a metabolic state between normal blood sugar and type 2 diabetes. It indicates that the body is becoming resistant to insulin or the pancreas isn't producing enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels.

Without intervention, approximately 15-30% of people with pre-diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years. However, with lifestyle modifications, many people can reverse pre-diabetes and prevent progression to diabetes.

An estimated 96 million American adults have pre-diabetes, yet more than 80% don't know they have it. Pre-diabetes also increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, even without progressing to diabetes.

Common Symptoms

  • •Often no symptoms
  • •Increased thirst
  • •Frequent urination
  • •Fatigue
  • •Blurred vision
  • •Darkened skin patches (acanthosis nigricans)
  • •Slow-healing cuts or wounds
  • •Frequent infections
  • •Unexplained weight changes

Key Blood Markers

HbA1c

Elevated (5.7-6.4%)

Measures average blood sugar over 2-3 months - the gold standard for diagnosis

Fasting Glucose

Elevated (100-125 mg/dL or 5.6-6.9 mmol/L)

Point-in-time blood sugar measurement after fasting

Fasting Insulin

Often elevated

Elevated insulin with normal glucose indicates insulin resistance

Triglycerides

Frequently elevated

Often elevated in insulin resistance and pre-diabetes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can pre-diabetes be reversed?
Yes! Studies show that lifestyle interventions (losing 5-7% of body weight, 150+ minutes of exercise weekly, dietary changes) can reduce diabetes risk by 58%. Some people return to normal blood sugar levels.
What HbA1c level indicates pre-diabetes?
Pre-diabetes is diagnosed when HbA1c is 5.7-6.4%. Below 5.7% is normal. 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes. For optimal health, many aim for HbA1c below 5.5% or even 5.0%.
How often should pre-diabetes be monitored?
If diagnosed with pre-diabetes, HbA1c should be tested every 3-6 months initially to track progress with lifestyle changes. Annual testing is recommended once levels stabilize.
Does metformin prevent diabetes?
Studies show metformin can reduce progression to diabetes by about 31%. However, lifestyle changes are more effective (58% reduction). Metformin is sometimes prescribed for high-risk individuals alongside lifestyle modifications.

Quick Facts

  • Key Markers:4
  • Common Symptoms:9

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