Prediabetes often develops quietly, without obvious symptoms, yet it affects millions of people each year. It means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Left unaddressed, prediabetes can progress into serious health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

The good news is that recognizing early warning signs and making lifestyle changes can greatly reduce your risk. In this article, we’ll explain what prediabetes is, highlight common warning signs, and share steps you can take to protect your long-term health.

What Is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a stage between normal blood sugar levels and type 2 diabetes. At this point, your body may not be using insulin effectively, causing glucose to build up in the blood. According to the CDC, more than one in three American adults has prediabetes—and most don’t even know it.

Catching prediabetes early matters because it’s a critical window of opportunity. With healthy lifestyle changes and regular monitoring, prediabetes can often be reversed or managed before it develops into type 2 diabetes.

Common Early Warning Signs of Prediabetes

1. Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination

High blood sugar pulls fluids from tissues, leaving you thirsty and causing you to urinate more often than usual.

2. Fatigue and Low Energy

When your body can’t use glucose effectively for fuel, you may feel constantly tired or sluggish, even with enough sleep.

3. Blurred Vision

Changes in fluid levels can affect the lens of the eye, leading to temporary blurred vision.

4. Slow Healing of Cuts and Wounds

Elevated glucose can slow circulation and reduce the body’s ability to heal injuries quickly.

5. Tingling or Numbness in Hands and Feet

Prediabetes can begin to affect nerves, leading to mild tingling or numbness in extremities.

Note: Some people experience no noticeable symptoms at all. That’s why regular checkups and screenings are so important.

Risk Factors That Raise Your Chances

While anyone can develop prediabetes, certain factors increase the likelihood:

• Weight: Being overweight or carrying extra weight around the abdomen.
• Age: Risk increases after age 45.
• Family History: Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes.
• Lifestyle: Physical inactivity and poor diet.
• Health Conditions: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, or history of gestational diabetes.
• Ethnicity: Higher risk among African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander populations.

Knowing your risk factors can help you and your healthcare provider decide when to test and how to take preventive steps.

What To Do If You Notice Warning Signs

If you experience any of the symptoms above or know you have risk factors, the next step is to get tested. A simple blood test can measure your glucose levels and confirm whether you have prediabetes.

The encouraging news is that prediabetes doesn’t have to progress to diabetes. In fact, research shows that modest lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Aim to:

• Choose balanced meals with more vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Stay active with at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
• Maintain a healthy weight or lose a modest amount if overweight.
• Manage blood pressure and cholesterol through diet, exercise, and medical care when needed.

FAQs About Prediabetes

Can prediabetes be reversed?
Yes, in many cases. Healthy eating, regular exercise, and weight loss can bring blood sugar levels back to normal.

Do all people with prediabetes develop diabetes?
Not necessarily. With the right steps, you can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.

How often should I be screened for blood sugar?
If you’re at risk, ask your doctor about routine screenings—especially if you’re over 45 or have other risk factors.

Take Action Early for Better Health

Prediabetes is a wake-up call, but it’s not the end of the story. By recognizing early signs and making proactive changes, you can lower your risk and support lifelong health. Regular checkups, healthy nutrition, and active living are powerful tools to protect your body.

For more personalized guidance, schedule a preventive care visit with Navarro Medical. Together, you can build a plan to stay healthy and strong for years to come.