Prediabetes: symptoms, causes, and how to prevent diabetes

Prediabetes is not a diagnosis that sounds alarming. That’s exactly why it is often ignored.

However, it is actually an important signal from the body that blood sugar levels are already higher than normal, although not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes.

It is an intermediate state in which glucose metabolism is already impaired, and cells become less sensitive to insulin. This is the stage where the progression to diabetes can still be prevented.

What happens in the body

In prediabetes, the body gradually loses its ability to properly regulate glucose levels. The pancreas either does not produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells do not respond to it effectively.

As a result, blood sugar levels rise, but not yet to diabetic levels.

This is why the condition is often described as “silent” — changes are already happening, but they may not be noticeable.

Why prediabetes is important

The main issue is that prediabetes often develops without clear symptoms. Many people only discover it during routine blood tests.

If no changes are made, the condition can gradually progress to type 2 diabetes.

At the same time, the risk of cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, and other complications increases.

In many ways, this is a window of opportunity — one that can either be used or missed.

Symptoms: why they are easy to miss

In most cases, prediabetes does not cause obvious symptoms, which makes it difficult to detect early.

Some people may experience nonspecific signs such as fatigue, sleepiness after meals, low energy, or general weakness.

Occasionally, increased thirst, frequent urination, or weight changes may occur, but these symptoms are more typical of later stages and are not always present.

That is why relying only on how you feel is not enough.

Who is at risk

Prediabetes is more common in people with excess body weight, low physical activity, and unbalanced nutrition.

The risk also increases with a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, and metabolic disorders.

Age is another important factor — the likelihood increases over time.

How to detect prediabetes

Prediabetes cannot be diagnosed based on symptoms alone — laboratory tests are required.

The key indicators include fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and an oral glucose tolerance test.

For example, an HbA1c level of 5.7–6.4% may indicate prediabetes.

These tests help detect changes before symptoms appear.

Can diabetes be prevented

Yes — and this is the most important part.

Prediabetes is a condition that can often be reversed.

Studies show that lifestyle changes — including diet, physical activity, and weight management — can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes or even normalize blood sugar levels.

In some cases, a doctor may recommend medication, but it is usually an addition to lifestyle changes, not a replacement.

Conclusion

Prediabetes is not a mild form of diabetes, but rather an early warning sign.

At this stage, it is still possible to influence the process and prevent the development of a chronic disease.

Ignoring this condition is one of the most common reasons why diabetes is diagnosed at later stages.

What to do next

If you have risk factors or concerns about your health, it is important not to delay evaluation.

With Remed, you can get an online consultation with a doctor, assess your risk of diabetes, receive recommendations for testing, and get a clear plan of what to do next.

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Main topics

About the company

Prediabetes: what your body is trying to tell you

What happens in the body

Why prediabetes is important

Symptoms: why they are easy to miss

Who is at risk

How to detect prediabetes

Can diabetes be prevented

Conclusion

What to do next