Prediabetes: Risk factors and early signs

You might not have heard of prediabetes, but it’s common in Australia. An estimated 2 million Australians live with the condition, with many unaware they have it. Prediabetes increases the risk of both type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.¹

Learn about the signs of prediabetes and what might put you at risk of developing the condition, plus how you can help stop it progressing to type 2 diabetes.

Prediabetes is when blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to meet the diagnostic criteria for type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition that impacts 1.3 million Australians.²

Prediabetes develops when the body becomes less responsive to insulin (insulin resistance) or when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood glucose levels. Insulin helps to transport glucose into our cells to use for energy. If your body cannot do this, you start to get a build-up of glucose in the blood, which can be dangerous.

Being diagnosed with prediabetes does not mean you will definitely go on to develop type 2 diabetes. However, if left untreated, it does increase your risk. A diagnosis of prediabetes is an opportunity to make some lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Some factors that increase your risk of developing prediabetes aren’t within your control, such as age, ethnicity and having a close family member with type 2 diabetes.

Other risk factors that increase your chance of developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are called modifiable risk factors. This means we can do something about them.

Weight and waist circumference

Carrying excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, increases insulin resistance. Australian Health guidelines recommend a BMI of between 18.5 and 24.9.³ Diabetes Australia recommends a waist circumference of less than 80 cm for women and less than 94cm for men.⁴ Talk to your GP if you would like help in reducing excess weight.

Previous blood glucose results

If you have previously been told that your blood glucose levels are higher than normal, it's important to continue regular check-ups with your GP. Blood tests can identify changes in blood glucose levels before symptoms develop, allowing you to take action early and reduce your risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes.

Blood pressure

High blood pressure commonly occurs alongside insulin resistance and prediabetes. Ask your GP to test your blood pressure or speak to your local pharmacist about at-home testing kits. High blood pressure can be reduced with medication but can also respond well to exercise and weight maintenance.

Cholesterol and triglycerides (fats in your blood)

Abnormal blood lipid levels (fat in the blood) are often associated with metabolic health issues such as prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. These can be measured with a blood test. Most people can reduce their cholesterol by eating a diet low in saturated fats and processed foods, avoiding smoking and alcohol and staying active, although others may benefit from medication.

Exercise

Regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood glucose. Australian health guidelines recommend at least 30 mins of moderate to vigorous exercise a day, for at least 5 days a week, to maintain good health⁵ Strength training twice a week is also recommended and is particularly effective at improving your body’s ability to use insulin and process glucose.⁶

 Prediabetes usually causes no symptoms, which is why many people don't realise they have it.

Some people may notice subtle changes such as:

• feeling more tired than usual
• increased thirst
• needing to urinate more often
• blurred vision.

More noticeable symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, slow-healing wounds or frequent infections, may indicate blood glucose levels have risen further, and should be assessed by a doctor quickly.

See a doctor if you have any of the symptoms above or are concerned about prediabetes.

The earlier prediabetes is identified, the greater the opportunity to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.

In some people with prediabetes, blood glucose levels can return to the normal range with the right management and treatment.

In this article we use the terms 'men' and 'women' to include both cisgendered men and women, and those who were assigned 'male' or 'female' at birth, but whose gender identity now differs.