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Prediabetes is a condition where your blood sugar level is above normal but not so high that a diagnosis of diabetes can be made. This is a condition which increases the risk for developing diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

There is good news in catching this condition early through regular checkups. With healthy lifestyle changes, you can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Take action; watch this video to find out more about what you can do.

Testing for Prediabetes

According to the CDC, 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. has prediabetes. Remember that having prediabetes makes it more likely that you will develop type 2 diabetes, heart attack, or stroke. Most often a routine blood test will alert your healthcare provider that you may have a be at risk of developing diabetes. This means that you have higher than normal blood sugar (glucose), but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Additional testing is perform to reach a formal diagnosis.

Fasting Blood Glucose Test

A blood glucose test is a blood test that tells you if your level of glucose, or blood sugar, is within a healthy range. Fasting plasma glucose, or FPG, is a common test used to diagnose and monitor diabetes or prediabetes.

Learn more about Blood Glucose testing.

Glucose Tolerance Test

A glucose tolerance test is used to screen for diabetes or prediabetes. To start the test, you have a blood glucose test done. Then you will drink a liquid rich in glucose, or sugar. For the next two to three hours, your healthcare provider will draw your blood to check your blood glucose levels and determine your risk for diabetes, prediabetes, or gestational diabetes.

Learn more about Glucose Tolerance testing.

A1C Test

A1C is a blood test used to screen people to find out whether they have diabetes or prediabetes. It’s also used in people who know they have diabetes to measure how well they are managing their blood sugar and to guide their treatment decisions over time.

Learn more about A1C testing.

Assessing Your Risk

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) presents some very helpful information for you to learn more about the condition of prediabetes. Click here to access “Your Chance to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes.”

Download and view this Diabetes Risk Test from the American Diabetes Association (available in both English and Spanish)

About the prediabetes risk test

Education and Support

Diabetes Forecast is a consumer magazine website for people living with diabetes or prediabetes. It is published bi-monthly in print and digital editions by the American Diabetes Association. All articles are reviewed by a dedicated group of health care professionals with clinical and/or research experience.

Our Virtual Diabetes Support Group meets on a monthly basis and are facilitated by a Fort HealthCare Diabetes Educator. Attending either the class or the group is free of charge and is a positive environment for fostering relationships with others who have diabetes, know someone with diabetes, are curious about diabetes, or have been diagnosed with prediabetes. The goal of the meetings are to provide support, education and practical tips related to the prevention and management of diabetes.

Please contact Diabetes Education for further information

Delaying the Onset of Prediabetes

  • Reduce your body weight. Lose at least 5% to 7% of your current weight. Even a small amount of weight loss can help.
  • Be more physically active. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week.
  • Work with your healthcare provider. Make a plan to eat well and be more active.
  • Keep in mind that small changes can add up.

If it is untreated, prediabetes can turn into diabetes. This is a serious health condition. Take steps to stop this from happening. Follow the treatment plan you have been given. You may have your blood glucose tested again in about 12 to 18 months.