Many people walk around with prediabetes and don’t even know it. It is often silent, you feel no pain and there’s no obvious symptoms until it becomes type 2 diabetes.
The good news is that you can catch it early and turn things around with small lifestyle changes.
At Gattis Pharmacy, we care about prevention as much as treatment. If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I tell if I’m prediabetic?”, stick around.
This guide will help you spot the signs, understand your risks, and take action before it’s too late.
What Is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes happens when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes.
It’s your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s not right.” Without changes, most people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within a few years.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. has prediabetes — and most don’t know it.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Prediabetes
While prediabetes doesn’t always cause clear symptoms, some warning signs can help you spot it early.
Watch for these clues:
- Frequent thirst and urination – High blood sugar draws water from your tissues, leaving you thirsty and sending you to the bathroom often.
- Unexplained fatigue – When your body can’t use sugar properly for energy, you may feel drained or tired after meals.
- Blurred vision – High glucose can cause temporary changes in your eye lenses.
- Increased hunger – Despite eating enough, your body isn’t using insulin efficiently.
- Darkened skin patches – Often found around the neck, armpits, or elbows. This is a common early sign of insulin resistance.
If you notice two or more of these symptoms, it’s smart to talk to your healthcare provider or visit Gattis Pharmacy for guidance on what tests to take.
Who Is at Risk of Prediabetes?
Anyone can develop prediabetes, but some people are at higher risk.
You’re more likely to develop it if you:
- Are over 35 years old
- Are overweight or have a large waist size
- Have a family history of type 2 diabetes
- Are physically inactive
- Had gestational diabetes during pregnancy
- Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
(Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK))
Knowing your risk helps you take action and prevention is always better than cure.
How to Know for Sure: Prediabetes Tests
The only way to confirm prediabetes is through a simple blood test.
Here are the three most common ones:
- A1C Test – Shows your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months.
- Prediabetes range: 5.7%–6.4%
- Fasting Blood Sugar Test – Measures glucose after fasting overnight.
- Prediabetes range: 100–125 mg/dL
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) – Checks your blood sugar 2 hours after drinking a sugary drink.
- Prediabetes range: 140–199 mg/dL
If your test results fall within these ranges, don’t panic as it’s a warning sign, not a diagnosis.
The good news is that prediabetes can often be reversed.
How to Prevent or Reverse Prediabetes
Small changes can make a big difference. Here’s what helps:
- Move more: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise (like walking or cycling) most days.
- Eat smart: Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, and foods with low sugar.
- Lose a little weight: Even a 5–10% loss of body weight can lower your risk.
- Check your numbers: Regularly monitor blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
- Stay consistent: Lifestyle change is more powerful than you think. It truly works.
(Learn more from Mayo Clinic on prevention and lifestyle steps.)
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you have symptoms or risk factors, don’t wait. Early detection means you can stop diabetes before it starts.
Our caring team at Gattis Pharmacy can help you understand your test results, manage your medications, and connect you with lifestyle support programs.
We treat you like family, not a number and we’re here to help you stay healthy for years to come.
Conclusion
Prediabetes isn’t a life sentence, it’s a wake-up call. By spotting the signs early, getting tested, and making simple changes, you can take control of your health and even reverse the condition.
At Gattis Pharmacy, we believe in prevention with compassion. Whether you need testing advice, blood sugar-friendly supplements, or lifestyle tips, we’re here for you every step of the way.
