how do you know if you have prediabetes

Prediabetes often has no clear symptoms, so the best way to know if you have it is through blood tests. Here are the key tests and their results:

• A1C Test: Measures your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months.

  • Normal: Below 5.7%
  • Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
  • Diabetes: 6.5% or above

• Fasting Blood Sugar Test: Measures blood sugar after an overnight fast.

  • Normal: Less than 100 mg/dL
  • Prediabetes: 100 to 125 mg/dL
  • Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher

• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood sugar before and after drinking a sugary drink.

  • Normal: Less than 140 mg/dL
  • Prediabetes: 140 to 199 mg/dL
  • Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher

If your results fall in the prediabetes range, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and weight loss to prevent progression to type 2 diabetes.