Pre-Diabetes
Also called "Impaired Fasting Glucose" (IFG) or "Impaired Glucose Tolerance" (IGT)

Q - What is pre-diabetes?

A - Pre-diabetes is what you have when your blood glucose is higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes. Technically speaking, you can have it if you have what doctors call Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG) or Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) or if you have both.

Q - Why is it called pre-diabetes and is it as harmful as diabetes?

A - It got its name from observations that people who have it are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. However, it is necessary to point out that even though prediabetes increases your chances of developing type 2 diabetes, it is not a guarantee that you will ultimately develop diabetes and you can do some things to reduce your risk of developing diabetes. More on this below.

Prediabetes on its own has been found to have harmful effects too. It increases your risks of blood vessels diseases in the heart, brain (Stroke) and also the eyes.

Q - How will you know if you have pre-diabetes?

A - The best way to know if you have it is to go to your doctor for a blood glucose test. You will be asked to take a fasting glucose test or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Your results will be interpreted using the current criteria. You have prediabetes if you have Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG) or Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) or both.

Interpretation of Fasting Plasma Glucose results:

• Normal: Less than 100mg/dl
• Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG): Between 100mg/dl and 125mg/dl
• Diabetes Mellitus: 126mg/dl and above

Interpretation of Oral Glucose Tolerance Test results

• Normal: Less than 140mg/dl
• Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT): Between 140mg/dl and 199mg/dl
• Diabetes Mellitus: 200mg/dl and above

Q - Who is at risk for for IFG/IGT?

A - It can happen to anybody. But there are certain people who have a higher risk of developing IFG/IGT than others. These people should talk with their health care providers about screening and follow-up.

People with risk factors include:

1. Overweight and obese people,
2. Older individuals (over 45 years),
3. Some racial/Ethnic groups - African americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Asian americans, American indians,
4. Females who have had gestational diabetes in the past or who have polycystic ovarian syndrome,
5. Family history - People with a blood relative diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
6. Inactive people.

Q - How is IFG/IGT treated?

A - It is treated by weight reduction, eating healthy diets and exercising. In some cases diabetic pills may be prescribed by your doctor to help prevent worsening of the condition.

Q - Can prediabetes be prevented or reversed?

A - Yes it can be prevented and it can also be reversed. Studies have shown that participating in exercise, weight loss and eating healthy diets can reduce your risks of developing type 2 diabetes if you have IFG/IGT.

Exercising does not have to be intense. Mild to moderate exercising for 150 minutes a week ( about 30 minutes a day for 5 days each week) has been found to be effective. Read more about how to prevent diabetes and pre-diabetes through exercise, diets and weight loss.

Created July, 2009