Prediabetes means blood sugar is above the usual range but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. It is a warning sign, not a personal failure.
Quick summary
Prediabetes matters because it raises the chance of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It also creates an opportunity to act early.
Key takeaways
- Prediabetes is diagnosed with blood tests.
- Many people do not have symptoms.
- Weight loss, activity, food changes, and sleep support can lower risk for some people.
- Metformin may be discussed for some higher-risk adults, depending on clinician judgment.
How it is found
Prediabetes may be found with an A1C, fasting glucose, or oral glucose tolerance test. A clinician may recommend testing based on age, weight, family history, pregnancy history, blood pressure, cholesterol, or other risk factors.
Prediabetes does not always progress to diabetes. Risk can often be lowered with sustained changes, but the most useful plan is usually specific and sustainable. A ten-minute walk, a higher-fiber breakfast, or replacing sugary drinks can be more realistic than trying to change everything at once.
What can help
- Regular physical activity, adjusted for safety.
- More fiber-rich foods and fewer sugary drinks.
- Sleep and stress support.
- Weight loss if recommended and realistic.
- Follow-up testing to see whether risk is changing.
Practical takeaway
Prediabetes is a chance to reduce risk. Focus on the next repeatable habit and follow-up testing, not guilt.
Safety note
This article is not a substitute for medical care. Seek medical advice promptly for symptoms of diabetes such as increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, blurry vision, or fatigue.
What to ask your care team
- Which numbers, symptoms, or medicines matter most for my situation?
- What changes should I make only with medical advice?
- When should I seek urgent help instead of waiting for a routine appointment?
Source summary
- Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Patient guidance. Accessed June 5, 2026. Source
- Diabetes Testing, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Patient guidance. Accessed June 5, 2026. Source
- Diabetes Tests and Diagnosis, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Patient guidance. Accessed June 5, 2026. Source
- Managing Diabetes, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Patient guidance. Accessed June 5, 2026. Source