Signs of Pre-Diabetes: When to Seek Medical Attention

Prediabetes is a growing health concern not just in one country but all around the world. According to the International Diabetes Federation, over 541 million adults globally are living with impaired glucose tolerance, a major marker of prediabetes. Most don’t even know it. Why? Because the signs are often so mild that they go unnoticed. 

However, prediabetes isn’t just a silent condition it’s a crucial red flag. It’s your body’s early alert that your blood sugar levels are creeping into dangerous territory, but If caught in time, it can be reversed. 

Let’s take a closer look at what prediabetes is, what signs to look out for, and when it’s time to see a doctor. 

What Is Prediabetes, exactly? 

Prediabetes is a condition where your blood glucose levels are elevated, but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes.  

Diagnosis of prediabetes  

• Fasting Blood Glucose: 100–125 mg/dL 

• Hemoglobin A1C: 5.7%–6.4% 

• 2-hour Glucose Tolerance Test: 140–199 mg/dL 

These numbers mean that your body is on the edge so it’s time to act. 

Early Signs of Prediabetes 

Prediabetes mainly silent, but sometimes you may notice some clinical signs: 

1. Fatigue

Especially after meals, you might feel tired because your body can’t efficiently use sugar for energy. 

2. Blurred Vision

High blood sugar can temporarily alter the shape of your eye lenses, causing blurry vision that comes and goes. 

3. Recurrent infections

When glucose levels are high, your immune system and blood circulation are both affected, thus interfering with integrity of tissues, Such as recurrent teeth infection, gingivitis, wound infections, and other infections. 

4. High Blood pressure and high Pulse rate.

4. Dark, Velvety Skin Patches

Called acanthosis nigricans, these patches usually appear around the neck, armpits, or groin and are often an early warning sign of insulin resistance. 

Who’s Most at Risk? 

Anyone can develop prediabetes, but certain factors raise your risk, such as: 

• Being overweight or obese 

• Being 45 years of age or older 

• Having a family history of diabetes 

• Living a sedentary lifestyle 

• Having high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol 

• A history of gestational diabetes or PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) 

• Belonging to certain ethnic groups (e.g., South Asian, African, Hispanic, or Indigenous populations) who have a higher predisposition 

Whether you live in Asia, Africa, Europe, or the Americas, these risk factors are relevant worldwide. 

When Should You See a doctor? 

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above or if you fall into one or more risk factors, then you should consult with your healthcare provider. 

Prediabetes is diagnosed through a simple blood test, and early detection can prevent long-term complications like: 

• Type 2 diabetes 

• Heart disease 

• Vision problems 

• Kidney damage 

• Nerve damage 

With early lifestyle changes (healthier eating, more physical activity, and moderate weight loss), prediabetes can be reversed in many cases. 

Takeaway 

Prediabetes is not something to fear of, rather, it’s something to act on. So, whenever you feel tired, noticing subtle changes in your vision or skin, recurrent dental infection, or simply you are in any risk group mentioned above, refer to your doctor. A quick test can give you peace of mind or the head start you need to lead a healthy and prosperous life.