The reality is, you can have prediabetes and even type 2 diabetes, without realizing it because the symptoms may not be apparent. Left unmanaged, there is a good chance prediabetes will turn into type 2 diabetes eventually. If you’ve already been diagnosed with prediabetes by your healthcare provider, it is therefore important to get your blood sugar levels under control so you can avoid or delay developing type 2 diabetes.
Article Highlights
- Prediabetes often has no symptoms and can only be detected with blood tests.
- Type 2 diabetes develops when blood sugar rises above the diabetes diagnosis range.
- Early screening can identify prediabetes before complications develop.
- Healthy lifestyle changes can delay or prevent progression to type 2 diabetes.
Here’s a look at the differences between prediabetes versus type 2 diabetes and how to determine if you’re at increased risk. With either condition, the good news is that there are ways to help you get your health back on track.
What’s the difference between prediabetes and type 2 diabetes?
When your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or stops responding to insulin (which is needed to convert blood sugar into energy), your blood sugar levels rise. If these levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes, you have prediabetes. Often prediabetes will turn into type 2 diabetes, especially if your blood sugar levels are left uncontrolled.
Your risk of additional health problems increases significantly with type 2 diabetes. That’s why it’s important to make lifestyle changes, such as losing weight if needed, staying active and eating a healthy diet, to prevent prediabetes from progressing to full-on type 2 diabetes. Read more on what you can do to help prevent type 2 diabetes.
If you suspect you have prediabetes or wonder if it’s already progressed to type 2 diabetes, see your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. There are several types of blood tests that will help determine if your prediabetes has progressed, and the sooner you get on top of that the better.
Prediabetes vs Type 2 Diabetes
| Prediabetes | Type 2 Diabetes | |
|---|---|---|
| Risk factors |
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| Symptoms |
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| Diagnosis |
Blood tests:
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Blood tests:
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| Complications |
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| Prevention/treatment |
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Read more about medications to manage your diabetes.
3-Step Action Plan To Delay or Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
1. Know Your Risk
Review your family history, weight, age, and other diabetes risk factors.
2. Get Tested
Ask your healthcare provider about an A1C or blood glucose test.
3. Take Action Early
Improve eating habits, increase activity, and maintain a healthy weight to reduce your risk.
Remember that not all cases of prediabetes progress to type 2 diabetes. By properly managing your blood sugar levels, eating well and staying active, there is a good chance you can delay or even prevent type 2 diabetes from developing in the first place.
