Understanding Prediabetes

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Diabetes does not start the moment you are diagnosed as a diabetic. 

For many type 2 diabetics, there was a period before diagnosis, during which their condition could have been reversed or the progression slowed. This period is known as prediabetes.

According to Dr Sagen Naidoo, physician at Mediclinic Louis Leipoldt, prediabetes is regarded as the period when your blood sugar is higher than normal but does not meet the criteria to be diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. “Insulin resistance can be seen as a spectrum, where a Haemoglobin test result of up to 5.6% is considered normal, 5.7–6.4% is classified as prediabetes, and a reading of 6.5% or higher is considered a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. Individuals can move along this spectrum, but if diagnosed early, it can stop or slow the progression),” he explains.

In addition to the HbA1C test, diabetes can also be diagnosed with fasting plasma glucose (a fasting blood sugar test), oral glucose tolerance test or random blood sugar test.

What are the warning signs of prediabetes compared to Type 2 diabetes?

According to Dr Naidoo, early signs of insulin resistance or prediabetes can include being overweight, a dark rash in the neck area, and an increase in skin tags. “While the symptoms are milder in the prediabetes stage, it is still important for individuals to take control of their health. Small interventions early on can make a huge impact later on,” Dr Naidoo explains.

He continues that while symptoms may not be immediately obvious, the development of diabetes usually involves well-known signs like increased thirst, more frequent urination, blurry vision, weight loss, delayed healing or fatigue.

Risk Factors

Risk factors that contribute towards prediabetes include age, lifestyle, family history, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. “it is important to have 6 monthly screening of your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose readings so that any concerns can be pro-actively addressed.

Importance of Early Detection

“If prediabetes is detected early it makes reversal more possible. Lifestyle adjustments are crucial in order to reduce the associated cardiovascular risks and minimize complications,” explains Dr Naidoo.

Lifestyle changes will have the strongest impact on reversing prediabetes. These include diet, exercise, and weight management. Dr Naidoo emphasises that patients should take prediabetes seriously; diabetes can result in life-threatening complications which can be actively avoided. Reading up more about healthy choices, absorbing exercise into your daily life and getting good clinical advice are important. “Take action, look after your health. You won’t regret it.”

Get screened today!

Know your risk. Join us this Diabetes Awareness Month for free screenings at selected Mediclinic hospitals.

Should you want more information on living with diabetes or supporting a family member who has diabetes, sign up for our Diabetes Journey, which offers useful information on maintaining a healthy lifestyle as well as inspiring patient stories.