Prediabetesis a condition characterized by mildly elevated blood sugar.

If left untreated, prediabetes can increase the risk of developingtype 2 diabetes.

About 97.6 million American adults have prediabetes.

Prediabetes bloodwork

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Often, there are no clear warning signs or symptoms of prediabetes.

So screening is important if youre at risk.

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What Is Prediabetes?

Prediabetesis an early warning sign that you may be headed towards full-blowntype 2 diabetes.

Metabolic syndromeis separate from prediabetes but still potentially indicated if there is an elevated blood sugar.

Genetics and poor eating habits are suspects, too.

Without treatment, its likely that you will develop pop in 2 diabetes.

Demographics

Technically, prediabetes is not diabetes, so it often goes undiagnosed.

Still, an estimated 96 million adults have prediabetes in the U.S.

This is roughly 38% of all adults in America.

Men are slightly more likely to have prediabetes than women.

The prevalence of prediabetes is similar among all racial/ethnic groups.

You are also more likely to have prediabetes.

However, a family history of prediabetes does not mean that you will experience the same fate.

One way to confirm you stay on track is to elicit the help of a diabetes care team.

Remember that prediabetes means your body is not producing enough insulin or the insulin does not work properly.

Can You Reverse Prediabetes?

The first step in preventing the progression of prediabetes is to lead a healthy lifestyle.

The sooner you implement lifestyle changes, the more youll increase your chances of staving off diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prediabetes is common in the United States and around the world.

So prediabetics may be undercounted.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.National diabetes statistics report.

American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee.2.

Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes: Standards of Care in Diabetes2025.Diabetes Care.

2025;48(Supplement_1):S27-S49.

doi:10.2337/dc25-S002

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Insulin resistance & prediabetes.

Kaiser Permanente.Prediabetes: medical history and physical exam.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of diabetes.

2024;67(4):602-610. doi:10.1007/s00125-023-06069-1