Prediabetes Prediabetes occurs when you have higher-than-normal blood glucose levels, but not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes.This is determined through a fasting blood glucose test: Less than <99 mg/dLNormal Less than100-125 mg/dLindicates possible prediabetes* >126 mg/dLindicates possible type 2 diabetes* *Your provider may run additional blood work to verify diagnosis. High Blood Glucose SymptomsYou may notice you feel differently when your blood glucose is high. It is suggested to test your glucose if are experiencing: < Prev Next > Increased thirst Frequent urination Increased hunger Unintended weight loss Fatigue/tiredness Blurred or changes in your vision Slow-healing cuts, scrapes or injuries Frequent infections Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet Areas of darkened skin, usually in the armpits and on the neck Abnormal cholesterol levels Preventing Prediabetes And Reducing Risk Living a healthy lifestyle can prevent prediabetes and reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. There are ways to manage and prevent further development. These health behaviors can reduce your risk and improve your quality of life: Eat colorful, balanced mealsAim to include all five food groups in each meal: vegetables, protein, fruits, dairy and grains. Stay active Move your body throughout the day and incorporate exercise into your weekly routine. Lose excess weightHigher fat mass can increase your risk for developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Losing 1-2 pounds per week is considered a healthy rate of weight loss. Keep blood pressure and cholesterol in rangeSpeak with your health care provider about your lab results and goals. Quit tobacco and nicotineQuitting immediately benefits your body. Tobacco and nicotine use, especially smoking, can lead to a variety of negative health conditions. Additional ResourcesAmerican Heart Association - “Healthy Eating”National Institutes of Health - “Heathy eating, nutrition, and diet”American Heart Association - “-Be More Active During Your Workday”Warfighter Wellness - “Break It Down: Understanding the Components of Fitness”Mayo Clinic - “Weight loss: 6 strategies for success”Cleveland Clinic - “Blood Pressure”American Heart Association - “What is High Blood Pressure?”Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - “How to Quit Smoking”Food and Drug Administration - “How Smoking Can Increase Risk for and Affect Diabetes”SmokeFree.gov - “Tools & Tips”U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - “Healthy People 2030”ReferencesAmerican Diabetes Association - “With prediabetes, action is the best medicine”Mayo Clinic - “Prediabetes”
