Definition

A common condition in which glucose levels in the blood are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Having prediabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Prediabetes usually occurs when the body does not make enough insulin or use it the way it should. Most people with prediabetes do not have symptoms. There are many factors that may increase a person’s risk of developing prediabetes. These include being overweight; being age 45 years or older; having a parent, brother, sister, or child with type 2 diabetes; and not getting enough exercise. Certain health conditions, such as obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, heart disease, stroke, and polycystic ovary syndrome, can also increase a person’s risk of prediabetes. People who had diabetes during pregnancy, gave birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds, or who are members of certain racial or ethnic groups also have an increased risk of prediabetes. Lifestyle changes, such as losing extra weight, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise, can lower the risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.