Pre-Diabetes

Pre-diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but are not high enough to actually be considered diabetes. People with this condition are at risk for developing diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes. There are two different forms: impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance. Treatment typically includes making lifestyle changes.

Types of Diabetes

What Is Pre-Diabetes?

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.

Forms of Pre-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.

(Pre-Diabetes Continued: Page 2)