Pre-Diabetes

I was diagnosed with pre diabetes several years ago. My doctor prescribed Metformin.

Pre-diabetes, also known as impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose, is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. It is a precursor or warning sign that a person is at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

In pre-diabetes, the body is unable to use insulin effectively, a condition known as insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels by allowing cells to use glucose for energy.

The criteria for pre-diabetes are:

1. Fasting blood sugar level between 100-125 mg/dL (5.6-6.9 mmol/L)

2. Blood sugar level between 140-199 mg/dL (7.8-11.0 mmol/L) after an oral glucose tolerance test

People with pre-diabetes often have no clear symptoms, which is why it’s important to get regular blood sugar checks, especially if you are overweight, have a family history of diabetes, or have other risk factors.

Pre-diabetes is reversible with lifestyle changes such as weight loss, increased physical activity, and a healthy diet. If left untreated, pre-diabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes over time. Early intervention can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes and its associated complications.