How is Prediabetes Diagnosed?
DiagnosisA prediabetes diagnosis can be determined through tests that evaluate your blood sugar levels. Your doctor may have you take one or more of the following blood tests:
- Hemoglobin A1C test - This test can measure your blood sugar level over the past three months. A normal A1C level is below 5.7%. An A1c level between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes, and a level of 6.5% and above is considered diabetes.
- Fasting blood sugar test - To get an accurate read on your blood sugar levels, you’ll be asked to fast for at least eight hours, or overnight, before testing. Results are measured in milligrams of sugar per deciliter: Less than 100 mg/dL is normal, 100 to 125 mg/dL is considered prediabetes, and 126 mg/dL or higher is diagnosed as diabetes.
- Glucose tolerance test - You will fast overnight (eight hours) and then take a blood test. You will then drink a sugary liquid and take two or more additional tests over the next 2 hours at a doctor’s office or lab. After the second test, your results are considered normal if your sugar is less than 140 mg/dL, prediabetes if 140 to 199 mg/dL, and diabetes if 200 mg/dL over higher.
How can a primary care doctor help?
Your primary care physician can play a crucial role in the fight against prediabetes. They can evaluate your symptoms, order tests, and offer treatment options to help you avoid serious health complications, including developing type 2 diabetes.
If you are over 45, your doctor may order a blood glucose (blood sugar) test as part of your annual physical.
How is Prediabetes Treated?
TreatmentPrediabetes is reversible. Implementing dietary and lifestyle changes can help normalize blood sugar levels and lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Your doctor can also recommend medications that can decrease your risk for progression to diabetes. In general, however, physicians do not prescribe medications for prediabetes alone.
Dietary changes
A good diet for combating prediabetes consists of whole grains, more fruits and vegetables, fiber, lean protein sources, nuts, seeds, and low-fat foods. It helps to avoid red meats, starchy vegetables, high-calorie foods, and sugary drinks/sodas.
Lifestyle changes
Prediabetes treatment includes adopting a healthier routine to reduce your blood sugar levels and risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, avoiding heavy alcohol consumption, and exercising regularly.
Medication for prediabetes
If dietary and lifestyle changes aren’t helping to reduce your blood sugar levels, and you are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, your doctor may prescribe medication to delay the progression to diabetes. This could include drugs such as metformin or weight loss medications.
Treatments for children
Children with prediabetes should make the lifestyle adjustments recommended for adults—lose excess weight, maintain a healthy diet, and exercise regularly.
Pediatricians will generally test children over 10 for prediabetes if they are overweight and/or have a close family member with type 2 diabetes or a mother who had gestational diabetes.
FAQs
Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Prediabetes Treatment
NewYork-Presbyterian is home to compassionate primary care physicians who are familiar with the care of patients with prediabetes. We’re here to support you in reversing prediabetes and preventing type 2 diabetes.
We strive to put our patients first, offering off-peak and weekend appointment hours, a patient portal, and referrals to world-renowned NewYork-Presbyterian specialists. We accept most insurances and provide same-day appointments for critical care.
Reach out to us today for an appointment at NewYork-Presbyterian or one of our medical group locations.