Warning Signs of Prediabetes You Shouldn't Ignore

Prediabetes is more common than many people realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 115.2 million Americans have prediabetes, but 8 in 10 adults with the condition do not know they have it. This means millions of people have higher-than-normal blood sugar levels without realizing it.

Prediabetes happens when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Prediabetes can raise your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

The good news is that finding prediabetes early and making healthy lifestyle changes can often prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes. If you notice any of these warning signs, contact your North Oaks Health provider to discuss your symptoms and next steps.

Can You Have Prediabetes Without Knowing It?

Yes, and that's one of the biggest concerns.

Prediabetes often develops without clear symptoms. You may feel healthy even as your blood sugar rises. Many people learn they have prediabetes only after a routine blood test or screening.

Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

Although prediabetes often causes no symptoms, some warning signs may show that your body is having trouble controlling blood sugar. These symptoms do not always mean you have prediabetes, but you should discuss them with your health care provider.

Dark Patches of Skin

One early warning sign is dark, thick or velvety skin, especially on the neck, under the arms or around the groin. This condition is called acanthosis nigricans. It is often linked to insulin resistance, which raises the risk of prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.

Feeling More Thirsty Than Usual

If you are often thirsty and reaching for water, your blood sugar may be rising. Increased thirst is more common with diabetes, but some people notice it as their blood sugar begins to climb.

Frequent Urination

Using the bathroom more often than usual, especially at night, may also be a sign that your body is having trouble controlling blood sugar.

Fatigue

Do you feel tired even after getting enough sleep? Insulin helps move sugar from your blood into your cells, where it is used for energy. When insulin does not work well, your body may have trouble using that energy. This can leave you feeling tired or sluggish.

Blurry Vision

High blood sugar can affect the lenses in your eyes and cause temporary blurry vision. Many conditions can affect eyesight, so a healthcare professional should evaluate any sudden or unexplained vision changes.

Tingling or Numbness in the Hands or Feet

Some people with high blood sugar experience tingling, burning or numbness in their hands or feet. These symptoms may be a sign of nerve damage and should not be ignored.

Know Your Risk Factors

Even if you do not have symptoms, you may still have prediabetes. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) says your risk is higher if you:

• Are age 35 or older
• Are overweight or have obesity
• Are a high-risk ethnicity or ancestry
• Have a parent, brother or sister with diabetes
• Are not physically active
• Have high blood pressure
• Have a history of gestational diabetes during pregnancy
• Have other conditions associated with insulin resistance such as PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome),Steatosis, or Acanthosis Nigricans

Having one or more risk factors does not mean you have prediabetes. However, it may be a good reason to ask your provider about screening.

Why Early Detection Matters

Prediabetes is a warning sign, but it is also a chance to act.

Research shows that small lifestyle changes can make a big difference. The CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program reports that losing just 5% to 7% of your body weight and getting at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week can greatly lower your risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Eating a balanced diet, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular medical checkups can help protect your health over time.

Don't Wait for Symptoms

Because prediabetes often develops without clear symptoms, waiting until you feel sick may cause you to miss the opportunity to find it early. A simple blood test can show whether your blood sugar is normal, elevated or in the diabetes range.

If you have risk factors or notice any of the warning signs above, make an appointment with your North Oaks Health provider. Knowing your blood sugar numbers and taking action early may help you prevent Type 2 diabetes and protect your health for years to come.

"Prediabetes is a warning sign, not a life sentence,” explains North Oaks Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education Manager Tracy Brazan. “With healthy lifestyle changes, many people can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes."

___

Recognize any of these symptoms? Call (985) 230-2778 (APPT) to schedule an appointment with your North Oaks Health provider today.

Learn more about living well with diabetes at our upcoming Diabetes Symposium. View event details and register to attend.

Want practical tips for managing diabetes? Our free monthly Diabetes Education classes cover a different topic each month. They are open to people with diabetes, their families and friends. For dates and times, visit our Community Events calendar.

Don’t have a North Oaks Health provider? Find one here.