Pre-diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, although not high enough to be diabetes. Pre-diabetes has no warning signs or symptoms.
People with pre-diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular (heart and circulation) disease.
Higher than normal glucose levels
If you are diagnosed with pre-diabetes, you will have:
- Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) – this condition is diagnosed when the fasting blood glucose level is higher than normal, but still below the level for diabetes.
and/or:
- Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) – this condition is diagnosed when the blood glucose level taken after two hours as part of an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is higher than normal, but still below the level for diabetes. The fasting level may be in the normal range.
Pre-diabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes
Without treatment, approximately one in three people with pre-diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body can’t use insulin properly or doesn’t make enough insulin, or both. Type 2 diabetes is a serious and chronic medical condition that can lead to long-term damage of nerves and blood vessels, kidneys, heart, eyes and feet.
Symptoms
Pre-diabetes has no signs or symptoms. It is important to be aware of the risk factors and have your blood glucose levels tested by your doctor if you are at risk.
Risk factors
The risk factors for developing pre-diabetes are the same as for type 2 diabetes, and include:
- A family history of type 2 diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- Low level of physical activity
- Smoking
- High blood pressure and/or abnormal blood fats
- Cardiovascular disease
- Indigenous Australian or Torres Strait Islander people
- People from some ethnic backgrounds including Middle Eastern, South Asian, Pacific Islander and North African backgrounds
- Gestational diabetes during pregnancy
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Some antipsychotic medications.
Diagnosis
Pre-diabetes is diagnosed by tests to check blood glucose levels. These tests may include an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The results will show if blood glucose levels are in the normal, pre-diabetes or diabetes range.
Management of pre-diabetes
The main aim of pre-diabetes management is to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This can be done by lifestyle changes including:
- Weight reduction - helps the body to become more sensitive to insulin and use glucose more effectively.
- Physical activity - regular moderate physical activity helps manage weight and reduce blood glucose levels. It may also improve blood pressure and cholesterol.
- A balanced diet – less fat, especially saturated fats, and more fruit, vegetables and high-fibre foods.
- Stop smoking.
- Blood pressure and cholesterol should be checked regularly.
Follow-up
There is no benefit in testing your own blood glucose levels when you have pre-diabetes. Once you are diagnosed, your doctor will organise a repeat oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in 12 months, unless you develop symptoms of diabetes earlier.
Where to get help
Things to remember
- Pre-diabetes has no signs or symptoms and can progress to type 2 diabetes.
- If you have pre-diabetes, lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Risk factors for pre-diabetes include a family history of type 2 diabetes, obesity, smoking and some ethnic backgrounds.
You might also be interested in:
Diabetes.
Diabetes - diagnostic tests.
Diabetes and healthy eating.
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