Prediabetes is a condition characterized by glucose levels that are high, but not as high as in the case of Type 2 diabetes. In most cases, there are no specific symptoms, and the condition remains undiagnosed for a long time. It is also known as impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose. This condition affects millions of people throughout the country and it is increasing worldwide and it is projected that more than 470 million people will have prediabetes in 2030, and is often known to occur before developing into Type 2 diabetes.

It is is now considered to be a condition that may lead to more serious health problems. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment of prediabetes will help to prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes, which is associated with health conditions, like heart and kidney diseases.

Prediabetes may remain asymptomatic in most cases, but when present, the most common symptoms are similar to that of Type 2 diabetes.

The common symptoms for prediabetes that are similar to Type 2 diabetes include:

Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Blurred vision
Fatigue

The actual cause for prediabetes is still unknown. Presence of abdominal fat and physical inactivity increase the risk for prediabetes.

One should test for prediabetes if you:

Are over 45-years-old
Have a body mass index above 25.
Are physically inactive
Have a family history of diabetes
Have a history of gestational diabetes
Have polycystic ovary syndrome
Had abnormal blood sugar tests
Have a history of heart disease
Have insulin resistance

Identifying prediabetes is very important in preventing Type 2 diabetes, and other associated diseases, like heart disease.

Some of the complications caused by Type 2 diabetes include:

Hypertension
High cholesterol levels
Heart disease
Stroke
Kidney disease
Blindness

Complications of diabetes read more

Prediabetes can be treated by:

Having a healthy, balanced diet – eating food that are less in calories and fat and high in fiber is the best diet plan for reducing chances of prediabetes.
Losing extra body weight – losing 5-10% of the body weight reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes considerably
Regular exercise — regular exercise for thirty minutes every day is found to reduce the risk of diabetes by 60%.
Quitting smoking
Treating hypertension
Treating high cholesterol levels
Getting adequate rest

Before you go, remember this;

Prediabetes can be considered a stepping stone to type 2 diabetes, if left untreated.
Prediabetes is characterized by high glucose levels, however, the levels are not as high as type 2 diabetes.