What Is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes means blood sugar is elevated but not yet in the diabetes range.

Diagnostic Criteria

• Fasting glucose: 100–125 mg/dL
• HbA1c: 5.7–6.4%
• Oral glucose tolerance: 140–199 mg/dL

Prevalence

• 88 million Americans (1 in 3 adults)
• 80% don't know they have it

Reversal

• 58% reduce risk with lifestyle changes
• 5–10% weight loss
• 150 minutes exercise/week
• Mediterranean or low-carb diet
• Metformin for high-risk patients

Progression Risk

• Without intervention: 5–10% per year progress to diabetes
• With lifestyle change: 58% reduce progression risk