What is prediabetes?

What can happen to prediabetes?

• Prediabetes can develop into type 2 diabetes. This happens to about 1 in 10 people every year.
• Alternatively, by making enjoyable lifestyle changes it is possible to improve and reverse prediabetes.

We used to think we could only slow down the worsening of prediabetes. We thought once someone had prediabetes their greatest hope was it didn’t develop into type 2 diabetes. We now know we this was wrong. For many people prediabetes can be improved.

I’m keen to tell my patients that prediabetes can be improved. Some people can reverse the condition and achieve normal blood glucose levels again. What’s more, by making enjoyable lifestyle changes they may expect to achieve a slimmer waistline, lower blood pressure, reduced hunger, and more energy.

I think it is important that people know the worst- and best-case scenarios. With this knowledge they can make a choice and take control.

Prediabetes doesn’t happen overnight. In the years prior to being diagnosed with prediabetes insulin resistance has been developing. Insulin resistance means the body cannot easily lower blood glucose. In this state the body can be considered to be at war with itself, fighting to keep blood glucose under control. Lifestyle is the major contributor to insulin resistance.

Once prediabetes has developed, if the person does not change the lifestyle that led to prediabetes, then the problem will worsen. Prediabetes can develop into type 2 diabetes – this happens to about one in ten people each year.

Alternatively, if a person with prediabetes makes some enjoyable lifestyle changes, then the fat in the abdomen and liver will shrink. The body can gain better control of blood glucose and prediabetes improves. In addition, people will usually experience a slimmer waistline and other many other health benefits.

• Prediabetes: a high-risk state for diabetes development
• Regression from prediabetes to normal glucose regulation: State of the science