Pre diabetes

Your doctor will need to order a blood test for an accurate diagnosis. This means drawing a blood sample to send to a lab.

Results can vary depending on the type of test. You should take the same test twice to confirm the diagnosis, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)Trusted Source.

Devices that measure glucose levels, such as the finger-stick test, aren’t used for diagnosis. Instead, your doctor will useTrusted Source one or two of these tests:

Hemoglobin A1C test

The hemoglobin A1C test, which is also called the A1C test or glycosylated hemoglobin test, measures your average blood sugar level over the last 2 to 3 months. This test doesn’t require fasting and can be done any time.

An A1C value of 5.7 to 6.4 percent is diagnostic for prediabetes. A second A1C test is recommended to confirm the results. The higher the A1C, the higher the risk that your prediabetes will progress to type 2 diabetes.

Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test

During an FPG test, your doctor will ask you to fast for 8 hours or overnight. Before you eat, a healthcare professional will take a blood sample for testing.

A blood sugar level of 100–125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes.

Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)

An OGTT also requires fasting. Your doctor will check your blood glucose levels twice, once at the beginning of the appointment and then 2 hours later after you drink a sugary drink.

The best way to treat diabetes is through healthy lifestyle changes. Eating a nutritious diet and getting regular exercise can help prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes.

Even small changes can significantly lower your risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends:

Weight loss: Losing 5% to 7% of your body weight can have an impact. For example, a 200-pound person who loses 10 to 14 pounds could see a significant health improvement.

Regular activity: Aim for 30 minutes a day, five days a week, for a total of 150 minutes a week. Try walking or another activity you enjoy.

Lowering your risk factors for prediabetes can often get your blood sugar levels back to healthy levels. You might:

Work with a nutritionist or dietitian to plan a healthful diet you can stick with long-term.

Find ways to reduce or manage stress.

Quit smoking and limit alcohol.

Diagnose and treat sleep disorders.

Manage related disorders, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Find support groups where you can meet other people going through the same challenges.