In prediabetes, the body does not respond properly to insulin, the hormone that helps to control levels of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood. As a result, blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes.
Prediabetes has no symptoms or warning signs and may develop into type 2 diabetes within 5-10 years if not treated. It also increases your risk of heart disease.
Who is at risk?
You are at risk of prediabetes if you:
- Have a family history of type 2 diabetes
- Are over 55 years of age
- Have a waist measurement of 80 cm or more (women) and 94 cm or more (men)
- Do little or no physical activity
- Are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background
- Are of Chinese, Pacific Islander or Indian sub-continent background.
Women who have had gestational diabetes or have polycystic ovarian syndrome are also at increased risk of developing prediabetes.
If you believe you are at risk, speak to your doctor as soon as possible about having your blood glucose level checked. Early diagnosis of prediabetes increases the likelihood that you will be able to prevent or delay developing type 2 diabetes.
You should also make some lifestyle changes - try to lose some weight, increase your level of physical activity and adopt a healthy eating plan. Make sure you discuss these changes with your doctor and check whether you need to take any special precautions when altering your level of physical activity.
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