Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. It is a critical warning sign — and an opportunity.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1 in 3 American adults has prediabetes — approximately 96 million people. Globally, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that over 380 million adults have impaired glucose tolerance, the most common form of prediabetes.
The most alarming statistic: over 80% of people with prediabetes do not know they have it. Without intervention, 15–30% will develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years (CDC).
Three tests are used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes:
This measures blood sugar after an 8–12 hour fast.
| Level | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) | Normal |
| 100–125 mg/dL (5.6–6.9 mmol/L) | Prediabetes |
| 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher | Diabetes |
Source: American Diabetes Association (ADA)
HbA1c reflects your average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months. It does not require fasting.
| Level | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 5.7% | Normal |
| 5.7%–6.4% | Prediabetes |
| 6.5% or higher | Diabetes |
Source: WHO
This measures blood sugar 2 hours after drinking a standardised glucose solution.
| Level (2 hours) | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) | Normal |
| 140–199 mg/dL (7.8–11.0 mmol/L) | Prediabetes |
| 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher | Diabetes |
Prediabetes often has no obvious symptoms, which is why routine screening is essential. However, some people experience subtle warning signs:
The ADA recommends screening for prediabetes if you have any of these risk factors:
The landmark Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) study — one of the largest and most important diabetes prevention studies ever conducted — demonstrated that lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58%. In adults over 60, the risk reduction was 71%.
You do not need to reach an "ideal" weight. The DPP found that losing just 5–7% of body weight (7–10 kg for a 100 kg person) significantly reduced diabetes risk.
Moderate-intensity activity — brisk walking, cycling, swimming — for at least 150 minutes per week. The WHO confirms this threshold for chronic disease prevention.
Based on evidence from the ADA and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health:
The National Sleep Foundation and research published in Diabetologia show that:
Tracking your blood sugar levels over time helps you understand how your body responds to dietary changes, exercise, and stress.
Symplicured can analyse your blood test results — including fasting glucose and HbA1c — and track trends over multiple tests. This helps you see whether your lifestyle changes are moving your numbers in the right direction.
See your doctor if:
Upload your blood test to Symplicured to check your fasting glucose and HbA1c levels. Our AI explains your results in plain language and tracks trends over time.
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