Before people develop
type 2 diabetes, they usually have pre-
diabetes. This is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but are not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes.
In addition to diabetes, people with pre-diabetes are at risk for developing
heart attacks and
strokes. Studies suggest that weight loss and increased physical activity can prevent or delay diabetes.
There are two forms of pre-diabetes:
- Impaired fasting glucose
- Impaired glucose tolerance.
Impaired Fasting Glucose
A person has impaired fasting glucose (IFG) when fasting plasma glucose is 100 to 125 mg/dL. This level is higher than normal but less than the level indicating a diagnosis of diabetes.
Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) means that blood glucose during the oral glucose tolerance test is higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. IGT is diagnosed when the glucose level is 140 to 199 mg/dL two hours after a person drinks a liquid containing 75 grams of glucose.