What Is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes is the name used to describe blood glucose levels that are higher than they should be, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Prediabetes may also be referred to as impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).
Having prediabetes increases your risk of type 2 diabetes as well as heart disease and stroke. But with a few healthful lifestyle changes, people with high glucose levels may be able to delay or even prevent the onset of diabetes. If you have prediabetes, losing just 5%–10% of your body weight and being physically active -- for about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week -- may reduce your risk of developing diabetes by as much as 60%–70%.
How Do You Know If You Have Prediabetes?
More often than not, there are no noticeable symptoms, so it's important to get regular screenings. It's generally recommended that screening for diabetes (and prediabetes) begin at age 45; earlier for those who are overweight and have at least one other risk factor for diabetes. If you haven't had your blood glucose levels checked or can't remember whether you have, talk to your doctor about a screening schedule that's right for you.
It's estimated that as many as 57 million people in America have prediabetes -- many of whom don't even know it. Take this quick quiz to find out if you're at risk for prediabetes.
