What is pre-diabetes?

Pre-diabetes is when the blood glucose (blood sugar) levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Pre-diabetes often has no clear symptoms; however if you have this condition you have a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Without lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, increased activity and losing weight, approximately one in three people with pre-diabetes will go on to develop type 2 diabetes.

 Risk factors for pre-diabetes are similar to those for type 2 diabetes which are:

• Being overweight or obese – especially those who have excess weight around the waistline 
• Being physically inactive
• Having high blood pressure
• Having a family history of type 2 diabetes and/or heart disease