Understanding Prediabetes Symptoms and Treatment
Discover prediabetes symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Learn how to identify early warning signs, manage risks, and prevent progression to type 2 diabetes with lifestyle changes and medical care.
Written by Dr. J T Hema Pratima
Reviewed by Dr. D Bhanu Prakash MBBS, AFIH, Advanced certificate in critical care medicine, Fellowship in critical care medicine
Last updated on 3rd Sep, 2025
Introduction
Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. It’s a warning sign that your body isn’t processing sugar (glucose) as efficiently as it should. The good news? Prediabetes can often be reversed with the right lifestyle changes.
In this article, we’ll explore what prediabetes means, its symptoms, causes, and how you can manage or even reverse it before it progresses to diabetes.
What is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes occurs when your blood sugar levels are elevated, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. If left unmanaged, it can develop into type 2 diabetes, which increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other complications.
Key Facts About Prediabetes:
Nearly 1 in 3 adults in India has prediabetes.
Many people don’t realize they have it because symptoms are often mild or absent.
Lifestyle changes can prevent progression to type 2 diabetes in most cases.
Consult a Diabetologist for the best advice
Symptoms of Prediabetes
Most people with prediabetes don’t experience noticeable symptoms, which is why it often goes undetected. However, some may notice:
Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Fatigue or low energy
Blurred vision (occasionally)
Darkened skin patches (especially around the neck, armpits, or elbows, a condition called acanthosis nigricans)
Since symptoms are subtle, getting regular blood sugar checks is important, especially if you have risk factors.
Causes and Risk Factors
Prediabetes develops when your body becomes resistant to insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar) or when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. Several factors increase the risk:
1. Lifestyle Factors:
Being overweight or obese (especially excess belly fat)
Sedentary lifestyle (lack of physical activity)
Unhealthy diet (high in processed foods, sugar, and refined carbs)
2. Medical and Genetic Factors:
Family history of diabetes
Age (over 45 years)
High blood pressure or cholesterol
History of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
How Prediabetes Affects Your Health
If ignored, prediabetes can lead to:
Type 2 diabetes (within 5-10 years if no changes are made)
Heart disease and stroke
Kidney damage
Nerve damage (neuropathy)
Vision problems
The sooner you take action, the better your chances of reversing it.
Diagnosis: How is Prediabetes Detected?
Prediabetes is diagnosed through blood tests:
1. Fasting Blood Sugar Test (FBS):
Normal: Below 100 mg/dL
Prediabetes: 100–125 mg/dL
Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher
2. HbA1c Test (Average Blood Sugar Over 3 Months):
Normal: Below 5.7%
Prediabetes: 5.7%–6.4%
Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
3. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT):
Measures blood sugar before and after drinking a sugary drink.
Prediabetes: 140–199 mg/dL after 2 hours
If you’re at risk, consult your doctor for testing.
How to Manage and Reverse Prediabetes
The best way to reverse prediabetes is through healthy lifestyle changes. Here’s how:
1. Eat a Balanced Diet
Choose whole grains (brown rice, oats, quinoa) over refined carbs (white bread, pasta).
Increase fiber intake (vegetables, fruits, legumes).
Limit sugary foods and drinks (sodas, sweets, fruit juices).
Eat lean proteins (chicken, fish, tofu, lentils).
Healthy fats (nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocado).
2. Exercise Regularly
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise (walking, cycling, swimming) per week.
Strength training (2–3 times a week) helps improve insulin sensitivity.
3. Lose Excess Weight
Losing just 5–10% of your body weight can significantly lower diabetes risk.
4. Get Enough Sleep
Poor sleep affects blood sugar control. Aim for 7–9 hours per night.
5. Manage Stress
Chronic stress raises blood sugar. Try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
6. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol
Smoking increases insulin resistance.
Excess alcohol can spike blood sugar levels.
When to See a Doctor
If you have risk factors or notice symptoms, get tested. Early detection can prevent diabetes.
Final Thoughts
Prediabetes is a wake-up call, but it’s also an opportunity to take control of your health. With the right diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes, you can prevent diabetes and lead a healthier life.
Remember: Small steps today can lead to big health benefits tomorrow. Start making changes now; your future self will thank you!
Consult a Diabetologist for the best advice
Consult a Diabetologist for the best advice
Dr. Anand Ravi
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr Syed Mateen Pasha
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Dhanraj K
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
25 Years • MBBS, MD Internal Medicine - Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
(375+ Patients)
Dr Bhargav Vuppumalla
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS MD GENERAL MEDICINE
Bengaluru
Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru
Dr. Zulkarnain
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS, PGDM, FFM
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
