Prediabetes: How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Prediabetes means blood glucose is higher than normal but below the diabetes threshold. Many people progress to type 2 diabetes within a few years — but this can largely be prevented.

Diagnosis

• Fasting glucose 100–125 mg/dL
• 2-hour OGTT value 140–199 mg/dL
• HbA1c 5.7–6.4%

Who Should Be Screened?

People who are overweight, have a family history of diabetes, previous gestational diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, PCOS or an inactive lifestyle — and everyone over 35–40.

Prevention

Large trials showed that losing about 7% of body weight and regular exercise roughly halves the risk of developing diabetes. Aim for 150 minutes of brisk walking per week, cut sugary drinks and refined carbohydrates, include vegetables and protein at every meal, and sleep well. Metformin may be considered for selected high-risk individuals.

See also our article on insulin resistance.