Prediabetes usually occurs when blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not increased enough to diagnose diabetes. The condition suggests an individual is at an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Many people with prediabetes develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years. However, modest weight loss and moderate physical activity may often help people with prediabetes delay or even prevent type 2 diabetes. In the United States, approximately one in three adults have prediabetes.
Individuals with the following conditions may be at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes:
- 45 years of age or older
- Overweight
- Family history of type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Physically inactive or is physically active less than three times per week
- History of gestational diabetes or has given birth to an infant weighing more than nine pounds
Note: The testing and diagnosis of prediabetes will be discussed later in this course.
