What it means
A state in which the body is starting to have trouble handling glucose, usually because of insulin resistanceIN-suh-lin rih-ZIS-tunsA state in which the body's cells respond poorly to insulin, so more insulin is needed to move glucose into them.Full entry . It is diagnosed by a fasting glucose of 100–125 mg/dL [5.6–6.9 mmol/L], a hemoglobin A1C of 5.7–6.4%, or a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance testOR-ul GLOO-kohs TOL-er-ens TESTA blood test that measures blood sugar before and at set times after drinking a measured sweet glucose drink.Full entry result of 140–199 mg/dL [7.8–11.0 mmol/L]. Many people with prediabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes, but lifestyle changes can prevent or delay it.
For the nurse
Teach that losing a small amount of weight (about 5 to 7% of body weight) and getting about 150 minutes of activity a week greatly lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. Refer to a diabetes prevention program if available.
At a glance
| Spanish | prediabetes |
|---|---|
| Also written | pre-diabetes, prediabetic |
Related terms
blood glucose
The amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood at the time it is measured.
type 2 diabetes
A form of diabetes in which the body does not respond well to insulin and does not make enough of it to keep blood glucose normal.
hemoglobin A1C
A blood test that shows a person's average blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months.
insulin resistance
A state in which the body's cells respond poorly to insulin, so more insulin is needed to move glucose into them.
oral glucose tolerance test
A blood test that measures blood sugar before and at set times after drinking a measured sweet glucose drink.