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Prediabetes
- Topic Overview
-
Health Tools
- FAQs
- Cause
- Symptoms
- What Happens
- What Increases Your Risk
- When to Call a Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Treatment Overview
- Prevention
- Setting A Goal To Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
- Home Treatment
- Medications
- Other Treatment
- Other Places To Get Help
- Related Information
- References
- Credits
Prediabetes is a warning sign that you are at risk for getting type 2 diabetes.
It is estimated that 7 out of 10 people who have prediabetes will get type 2 diabetes.1 Studies have shown that by losing weight and increasing physical activity, people can prevent or delay prediabetes from becoming diabetes.2
Over time, high blood sugar levels increase your risk for diabetes and heart disease, even if you're still healthy. Compared to people with normal blood sugar levels, people with prediabetes have a higher risk of heart attack or stroke.3
When you have prediabetes, you're also at higher risk for eye, nerve, kidney and heart disease, and for stroke. For more information on these complications, see the topic Type 2 Diabetes.
One Man's Story: Jerry, 54 When he first found out he had prediabetes, Jerry felt angry and frustrated. His doctor told him to lose weight and get more exercise, or else run the risk of getting type 2 diabetes. "I thought, 'What's the point? I might still get diabetes.' I felt like I was stuck either way. But it turns out there's a lot you can do."—Jerry |
You can reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes and related health problems by making healthy lifestyle changes, such as:
- Watching your weight.
- Making healthy food choices.
- Being active.
For more information, see the Prevention section of this topic.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: July 15, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine David C.W. Lau, MD, PhD, FRCPC - Endocrinology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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