WHAT ARE THE EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF PREDIABETES?

Prediabetes means blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diabetes. The challenge is that most people have no obvious symptoms, which is why it’s often called a “silent condition.”

However, there are early warning signs you can watch for.

Common early warning signs of prediabetes

1. Increased thirst and frequent urination

• Higher blood sugar pulls water from tissues
• You feel thirsty and urinate more often (especially at night)

2. Fatigue or low energy

• Glucose cannot enter cells efficiently
• Body lacks usable energy even after eating

3. Increased hunger (especially cravings for carbs or sweets)

• Cells are “starving” despite high blood sugar
• Leads to frequent snacking

4. Weight gain (especially around the abdomen)

• Insulin resistance promotes fat storage
• Central (belly) fat is a strong warning sign

5. Blurred vision

• Fluctuating blood sugar affects fluid balance in the eyes
• Vision may go in and out of focus

6. Slow wound healing & frequent infections

• Elevated glucose impairs immune function
• Common: skin, gum, or urinary infections

7. Darkened skin patches (Acanthosis Nigricans)

• Velvety dark skin around:
• Neck
• Armpits
• Groin
• Strong indicator of insulin resistance

8. Tingling or numbness in hands or feet

• Early nerve irritation from high glucose levels

9. Brain fog & poor concentration

• Blood sugar fluctuations affect brain function
• Difficulty focusing after meals

High-risk groups (even without symptoms)

You should be screened if you have:

• Family history of diabetes
• Overweight or obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• History of gestational diabetes
• High blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Blood test ranges for prediabetes

• Fasting blood glucose: 5.6–6.9 mmol/L
• HbA1c: 5.7–6.4%
• 2-hour OGTT: 7.8–11.0 mmol/L

Why early detection matters

Without intervention:

• 5–10% of people with prediabetes progress to Type 2 diabetes each year
• BUT lifestyle changes can reverse prediabetes in many cases

What to do if signs are present

• Get a blood test
• Improve diet (low-GI, high-fibre)
• Exercise ≥150 minutes/week
• Lose 5–7% body weight if overweight
• Improve sleep & reduce stress