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Prediabetes
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Endocrine System

Prediabetes

Prediabetes is a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal, serving as a warning sign for potential type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

What is prediabetes?

Prediabetes means that your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes. Glucose comes from the foods you eat. Too much glucose in your blood can damage your body over time.

If you have prediabetes, you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. But if you make some lifestyle changes now, you may be able to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.

What causes prediabetes?

Prediabetes usually happens when your body has a problem with insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the glucose get into your cells to give them energy. A problem with insulin could be:

  • Insulin resistance, a condition in which the body can't use its insulin properly. It makes it hard for your cells to get glucose from your blood. This can cause your blood sugar levels to rise.
  • Your body can't make enough insulin to keep your blood sugar levels at a healthy level

Researchers think that being overweight and not getting regular physical activity are major factors in causing prediabetes.

Who is at risk for prediabetes?

About 1 out of every 3 adults has prediabetes. It is more common in people who:

  • Are overweight or have obesity
  • Are age 45 or older
  • Have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes
  • Are African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander American
  • Are not physically active
  • Have health conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol
  • Have had gestational diabetes (diabetes in pregnancy)
  • Have a history of heart disease or stroke
  • Have metabolic syndrome
  • Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

What are the symptoms of prediabetes?

Most people don't know they have prediabetes because usually there are no symptoms.

Some people with prediabetes may have darkened skin in the armpit or on the back and sides of the neck. They may also have many small skin growths in those same areas.

How is prediabetes diagnosed?

There are a few different blood tests that can diagnose prediabetes. The most common ones are:

  • Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test, which measures your blood sugar at a single point in time. You need to fast (not eat or drink) for at least 8 hours before the test. The results of the test are given in mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter):
    • A normal level is 99 or below
    • Prediabetes is 100 to 125
    • Type 2 diabetes is 126 and above
  • A1C test, which measures your average blood sugar over the past 3 months. The results of an A1C test are given as a percentage. The higher the percentage, the higher your blood sugar levels have been.
    • A normal level is below 5.7%
    • Prediabetes is between 5.7 to 6.4%
    • Type 2 diabetes is above 6.5%

If I have prediabetes, will I get diabetes?

If you have prediabetes, you may be able to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes:

  • Losing weight, if you are overweight
  • Getting regular physical activity
  • Following a healthy, reduced-calorie eating plan

In some cases, your health care provider may also recommend taking diabetes medicines.

Can prediabetes be prevented?

If you are at risk for prediabetes, those same lifestyle changes (losing weight, regular physical activity, and a healthy eating plan) may prevent you from getting it.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most impactful changes involve a combination of weight loss and physical activity. Losing just 5% to 7% of your body weight can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is often achieved through a balanced diet that limits added sugars and refined carbohydrates while increasing fiber intake from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Additionally, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, per week, along with two to three sessions of strength training, helps improve insulin sensitivity and allows your cells to use glucose more effectively. How is prediabetes diagnosed, and what are the specific blood sugar thresholds?::Prediabetes is diagnosed using one of three blood tests: the A1C test, the fasting plasma glucose test, or the oral glucose tolerance test. For the A1C test, a result between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes. For the fasting plasma glucose test, which is taken after an overnight fast, a level between 100 and 125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes. For the oral glucose tolerance test, a blood sugar level between 140 and 199 mg/dL two hours after drinking a sugary beverage indicates prediabetes. Your healthcare provider will use these specific ranges to confirm the diagnosis and determine the appropriate monitoring plan. Are there specific foods I should avoid to prevent my blood sugar from rising further?::To manage prediabetes, it is advisable to limit or avoid foods that cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, such as sugary beverages, sodas, fruit juices, and sweets. Refined carbohydrates like white bread, white rice, and pastries should also be minimized as they are quickly digested and absorbed. Instead, focus on whole foods that contain fiber, which slows down digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Incorporating lean proteins, healthy fats, and non-starchy vegetables into your meals can help maintain stable energy levels and prevent the insulin resistance that characterizes prediabetes. Can prediabetes be reversed, and what happens if it is left untreated?::Yes, prediabetes can often be reversed or delayed through lifestyle modifications, and some individuals may return to normal blood sugar levels without medication. However, if left untreated, prediabetes frequently progresses to type 2 diabetes, which can lead to serious long-term complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision problems. Regular monitoring and consistent healthy habits are essential to prevent this progression and reduce the overall risk of cardiovascular events associated with elevated blood sugar levels.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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