Weight & metabolic health
Prediabetes and insulin resistance
Prediabetes means your blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be type 2 diabetes. Most people with prediabetes do not know they have it. The good news is that it can often be reversed.
What is prediabetes?
With insulin resistance, the body does not respond well to insulin, the hormone that moves sugar from the blood into cells. Blood sugar slowly rises. Without changes, many people with prediabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes.
- A1c: 5.7% to 6.4%
- Fasting blood sugar: 100 to 125 mg/dL
Symptoms
Usually there are none. Some people notice darkened skin on the neck or armpits, tiredness, or weight gain around the belly. That is why testing matters.
Who should be tested?
- Adults 35 and older
- People who are overweight
- Anyone with a family history of type 2 diabetes
- People of South Asian, Black, Hispanic or Native American ancestry, who have a higher risk
- Women with PCOS or a history of diabetes in pregnancy
- People with high blood pressure or high cholesterol
Can it be reversed?
Yes, often. Research shows that losing about 5 to 7% of body weight and getting 150 minutes of activity a week can cut the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by more than half. Some people also benefit from medication.
How we help
- A1c and fasting blood sugar tests in our in-house lab (fasting tests on select days)
- A personal plan from our Internal Medicine and obesity medicine physician
- Nutrition guidance, including vegetarian and South Asian diets
- Medication when appropriate, and regular follow-up
FAQ
Common questions
How often should I be tested?
If you have prediabetes, your doctor will usually recheck your A1c at least once a year, or sooner if you are making changes.
Do I need to fast for the test?
An A1c test does not require fasting. A fasting blood sugar test does. We offer fasting blood tests on select days, so please call for lab days.
Related topics
Keep learning
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity and GLP-1 medications
- PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
This information is for general education and does not replace a visit with your doctor.
Get your blood sugar checked
Book online or call 630-242-2455.