what is the difference between prediabetes and diabetes
Asked by: HealthCurious
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Community Answer
Answered by Dr. SugarSense 🩺
Prediabetes and diabetes are both conditions related to blood sugar levels, but they differ in severity and long-term health implications:
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Prediabetes:
- Blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes.
- A1C levels range from 5.7% to 6.4%.
- It is a warning sign and an opportunity to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes.
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Diabetes:
- Blood sugar levels are consistently high, indicating the body's inability to regulate glucose effectively.
- A1C levels are 6.5% or higher.
- Requires ongoing management, including lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring to prevent complications.
Both conditions increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, but diabetes poses a higher risk of severe complications like kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision problems.