Prediabetes
Prediabetes, or borderline diabetes, is a metabolic condition and is a growing global problem that is closely linked with obesity. If left undiagnosed, the condition could develop into type 2 diabetes.
Prediabetes is currently a large global concern; between 2003 and 2011 the number of cases of prediabetes in just the UK more than tripled, with1 in 3 of the adult population thought to be living with prediabetes. You can read the full report about this here.
There is a free pre-diabetes prevention programme available in Devon – please click here to find out more.
Selfcare and more information
What is prediabetes?
Your healthcare professional may describe you as being “prediabetic” if your blood glucose levels are high, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes.
Prediabetes is often described as the “grey area” between normal blood sugar and diabetic blood sugar levels.
Prediabetes is a critical stage in the development of diabetes, as it is the point that lifestyle changes can make a huge difference – and could slow down, or even stop the development of type 2 diabetes.
Testing for prediabetes
Either a fasting blood glucose test or an HbA1c blood test may be used to diagnose type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, and the test will usually take place at your practice.
Managing prediabetes
Living a healthy lifestyle and keeping active will help you to manage your blood sugar level, as well as helping you to control your weight and improving the way you feel generally.
You can reduce your risks of developing Type 2 diabetes by:
- eating well
- moving more
- losing weight, if you need to
Most people know that the three points above are the best ways to stay healthy and make changes – but they are not always the easiest changes to make a start with. Diabetes UK have produced information on the best ways to get started, and to keep going. Click here to find out more.
Tools for change
Risk factors
You should be tested for prediabetes if you:
- Are overweight or obese
- Have a close relative (parent, brother or sister) who has, or has had diabetes)
- Have high blood pressure, low HDL (‘good’ cholesterol) or high triglycerides
- Are aged 40+
- Have given birth to a baby who weighed over 9 pounds
Even though pre-diabetes can affect anyone of any age, race or gender, some groups are genetically more prone to developing the condition. These include:
- Afro-Caribbean
- South Asian
- Native American
Diabetes UK have produced a simple risk test for type 2 diabetes; Click here to take the test. You will not have to sign up to see your results. Diabetes UK will also signpost you to useful resources for supporting positive lifestyle choices.
Videos about prediabetes
Pre Diabetes – Causes, Risk Factors Diabetes.co.uk | Published 1 November 201
Important information about prediabetes
- More information from Diabetes.co.uk
- More information from Diabetes.org.uk
Waiting for a specialist opinion
If you have been referred for a specialist opinion your details will be reviewed, and it may be recommended that you are seen by a hospital clinician. Information to support you in choosing your preferred hospital, including waiting times can be found below.
How long will I wait?
If a hospital assessment and/or treatment is clinically recommended you will be referred for to a specialist. Click below to find out more about waiting times for routine hospital assessment and/or treatment.