Pre-diabetes

Before people develop type 2 diabetes, they often have "pre-diabetes". Their blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. In the United States there are over 40 million people, ages 40 to 74, with have pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes is a relatively new clinical diagnosis. The term was first introduced in 2002 by the DHHS and ADA. In the past the condition was referred to as impaired glucose tolerance, but by renaming it pre-diabetes it highlights the seriousness of the condition and motivates people to seek appropriate treatment. Recent research has shown that some long-term damage to the body may be already occurring during pre-diabetes, especially damage to the heart and circulatory system.
Through early intervention methods to manage your blood glucose when you have pre-diabetes, you can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes from developing.
There are many things you can do to know your risks for pre-diabetes and to take action to prevent diabetes if you have, or are at risk for, pre-diabetes. The American Diabetes Association has an array of resources for people with diabetes or those at risk for the disease.
Individuals with pre-diabetes can benefit from good nutrition and physical activity, behaviors that can be beneficial to the entire public's health.

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