09/19/2026
Understanding Prediabetes: What You Need to Know
Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed, but many people donāt realize theyāre at risk because prediabetes usually has no symptoms. The only way to know is through blood testing.
How Prediabetes Is Diagnosed
There are three standard tests used to identify prediabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, a result in the prediabetes range on any one of these tests may indicate prediabetes. These criteria apply to nonpregnant adults.
Test: Prediabetes Result / Normal Result
HbA1c: 5.7%ā6.4% / Below 5.7%
Fasting Glucose: 100ā125 mg/dL / 99mg/dl or below
Oral Glucose Tolerance (2-hour): 140ā199 mg/dL / 139 mg/dL or below
A result in the prediabetes range on any one of these tests may indicate prediabetes.
Possible Signs to Watch For
Most people with prediabetes have no noticeable symptoms. However, certain physical signs may be associated with insulin resistance:
* Darkened, thickened, velvety skin (acanthosis nigricans), often appearing on the neck, armpits, or groin
* Skin tags, which can be associated with insulin resistance
* Excess abdominal weight, which is a risk factor for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
As blood sugar rises into the diabetes range, symptoms may develop, including increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.
These signs are not enough to diagnose prediabetes. A blood test is needed to determine whether you have prediabetes or diabetes.
Whoās Most at Risk according to the CDC and NIDDK?
Your risk of prediabetes is higher if you:
* Are 35 or older, with risk increasing as you age
* Have overweight or obesity, especially excess weight around the waist
* Are physically inactive
* Regularly consume a diet high in added sugars, sugary drinks, refined carbohydrates, or excess calories
* Have a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes
* Have had gestational diabetes
* Have polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS)
* Have high blood pressure or other conditions associated with insulin resistance
Having one or more risk factors does not mean you have prediabetesāit simply means screening may be especially important.
When to Get Tested
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening adults ages 35ā70 who have overweight or obesity for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. If your initial test is normal, screening about every 3 years may be appropriate.
Screening can be done with an HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, or oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Talk with your healthcare provider about which test is appropriate for you. Your provider may recommend more frequent screening.
If you have risk factors for prediabetes, donāt wait for symptomsāprediabetes often has no obvious symptoms.
This post is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any health decisions or changes.