Did You Know?

Aprediabetes diagnosis means you have higher than normal blood glucose levels, but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Excessive glucose in the blood can damage the body over time, and those diagnosed with prediabetes are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the majority of people with prediabetes do not have any symptoms.The condition is typically revealed after blood tests indicate blood glucose levels are higher than normal. Being overweight and living an inactive lifestyle are two of the biggest risk factors for prediabetes, and doctors may recommend that men and women 45 and older, especially those who are overweight, be tested for prediabetes. Those who have been diagnosed with prediabetes will not necessarily develop diabetes down the road. In fact, the NIDDK notes that men and women who lose at least 5 to 10 percent of their starting weight can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and may even be able to reverse prediabetes.