Prediabetes usually occurs when blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to diagnosis 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:
- An individual is 45 years of age or older
- An individual is overweight
- There is a family history of type 2 diabetes
- A person has high blood pressure
- An individual is physically inactive or is physically active less than three times per week
- A woman has had 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.
