In pre-diabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes. In any case, numerous people with pre-diabetes tend to get type 2 diabetes within 10 years. Pre-diabetes also raises risk of heart disease and stroke. With moderate loss of weight and physical activity, people with pre-diabetes can slow down or prevent type 2 diabetes.

How are diabetes and pre-diabetes diagnosed?

These tests are used for diagnosis:

* A fasting plasma glucose test checks your blood sugar after you have gone at least 8 hours without eating. This test is used to detect diabetes or pre-diabetes.

* An oral glucose tolerance test measures your blood sugar after you have gone at least 8 hours without eating and 2 hours after you drink a sugar-containing beverage. This test can be used to diagnose diabetes or pre-diabetes.

* In a random plasma sugar test, your physician checks your blood sugar irrespective to when you ate your last meal. This test, along with an assessment of symptoms, is used to diagnose diabetes but not pre-diabetes.

Positive test results should be validated by repeating the fasting plasma glucose test or the oral sugar tolerance test on a different day.
Fasting Plasma sugar (FPG) Test

The FPG is the preferred test for diagnosing diabetes due to convenience and is most reliable when done in the morning. Results and their meaning are shown in table 1. If your fasting glucose level is 100 to 125 mg/dL, you have a form of pre-diabetes called impaired fasting sugar (IFG), meaning that you are more likely to get type 2 diabetes but do not have it yet. A level of 126 mg/dL or above, verified by repeating the test on another day, means that you have diabetes.
Table 1. Fasting Plasma sugar Test
Plasma sugar Result (mg/dL) Diagnosis
99 and below Normal
100 to 125 Pre-diabetes
(impaired fasting glucose)
126 and above Diabetes*

*Verified by repeating the test on a different day.
Oral sugar Tolerance Test (OGTT)

Research has shown that the OGTT is more accurate than the FPG test for diagnosing pre-diabetes, but it is less convenient to administer. The OGTT requires you to fast for at least 8 hours before the test. Your plasma glucose is measured immediately before and 2 hours after you drink a liquid containing 75 grams of glucose dissolved in water. Results and what they mean are shown in table 2. If your blood sugar level is between 140 and 199 mg/dL 2 hours after drinking the liquid, you have a form of pre-diabetes called impaired sugar tolerance or IGT, meaning that you are more likely to get type 2 diabetes but do not have it yet. A 2-hour glucose level of 200 mg/dL or above, corroborated by repeating the test on another day, means that you have diabetes.
Table 2. Oral sugar Tolerance Test
2-Hour Plasma glucose Result (mg/dL) Diagnosis
139 and below Normal
140 to 199 Pre-diabetes
(impaired glucose tolerance)
200 and above Diabetes*

*Corroborated by repeating the test on a different day.

Gestational diabetes is also diagnosed based on plasma sugar values measured during the OGTT. Blood glucose levels are checked four times during the test. If your blood sugar levels are raisedat least twice during the test, you have gestational diabetes.

A random blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or more, plus presence of these symptoms, can mean that you have diabetes:

* increased urination
* increased thirst
* unexplained weight loss

Other symptoms include fatigue, blurred vision, increased hunger, and sores that do not heal. Your doctor will check your blood glucose level on another day using the FPG or the OGTT to confirm the diagnosis.

When should I be tested for diabetes?

Anyone 45 years old or older should think about getting tested for diabetes. If you are 45 or older and your BMI indicates that you are obese (see table 4), it is strongly recommended that you get tested. If you are younger than 45, are obese, and have one or more of the risk factors, you should think about testing. Ask your general practitioner for a FPG or an OGTT. Your attending physician will tell you if you have normal blood glucose, pre-diabetes, or diabetes. If your blood glucose is higher than normal but lower than the diabetes range (called pre-diabetes), have your blood sugar checked in 1 to 2 years.

What steps can slow down or prevent type 2 diabetes?

A major research study, the Diabetes Prevention Program, confirmed that people who followed a low-fat, low-calorie diet, lost a modest amount of weight, and engaged in regular exercise (walking briskly for 30 minutes, five times a week, for example) sharply reduced their chances of developing diabetes. These strategies worked well for both men and women and were especially effective for participants aged 60 and older.

-
What is pre-diabetes?

In pre-diabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be defined as diabetes. Nonetheless, diverse people with pre-diabetes tend to get type 2 diabetes within 10 years. Pre-diabetes also increases risk of heart disease and stroke. With moderate loss of weight and exercise, people with pre-diabetes can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.

How are diabetes and pre-diabetes diagnosed?

The following tests are used for diagnosis:

* A fasting plasma glucose test checks your blood glucose after you have gone at least 8 hours without eating. This test is used to detect diabetes or pre-diabetes.

* An oral glucose tolerance test measures your blood sugar after you have gone at least 8 hours without eating and 2 hours after you drink a sugar-containing beverage. This test can be used to diagnose diabetes or pre-diabetes.

* In a random plasma glucose test, your gp checks your blood sugar irrespective to when you ate your last meal. This test, along with an assessment of symptoms, is used to diagnose diabetes but not pre-diabetes.

Positive test results should be verified by repeating the fasting plasma glucose test or the oral sugar tolerance test on a different day.
Fasting Plasma glucose (FPG) Test

The FPG is the preferred test for diagnosing diabetes due to convenience and is most reliable when done in the morning. Results and their meaning are shown in table 1. If your fasting glucose level is 100 to 125 mg/dL, you have a form of pre-diabetes called impaired fasting sugar (IFG), meaning that you are more likely to acquire type 2 diabetes but do not have it yet. A level of 126 mg/dL or above, verified by repeating the test on another day, means that you have diabetes.
Table 1. Fasting Plasma sugar Test
Plasma sugar Result (mg/dL) Diagnosis
99 and below Normal
100 to 125 Pre-diabetes
(impaired fasting sugar)
126 and above Diabetes*

*Validated by repeating the test on a different day.
Oral sugar Tolerance Test (OGTT)

Research has shown that the OGTT is more accurate than the FPG test for diagnosing pre-diabetes, but it is less convenient to administer. The OGTT requires you to fast for at least 8 hours before the test. Your plasma glucose is measured immediately before and 2 hours after you drink a liquid containing 75 grams of glucose dissolved in water. Results and what they mean are shown in table 2. If your blood glucose level is between 140 and 199 mg/dL 2 hours after drinking the liquid, you have atype of pre-diabetes called impaired sugar tolerance or IGT, meaning that you are more likely to get type 2 diabetes but do not have it yet. A 2-hour glucose level of 200 mg/dL or above, corroborated by repeating the test on another day, means that you have diabetes.
Table 2. Oral sugar Tolerance Test
2-Hour Plasma glucose Result (mg/dL) Diagnosis
139 and below Normal
140 to 199 Pre-diabetes
(impaired glucose tolerance)
200 and above Diabetes*

*Corroborated by repeating the test on a different day.

Gestational diabetes is also diagnosed based on plasma sugar values measured during the OGTT. Blood sugar levels are checked four times during the test. If your blood sugar levels are above normalat least twice during the test, you have gestational diabetes.

A random blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or more, plus presence of the following symptoms, can mean that you have diabetes:

* increased urination
* increased thirst
* unexplained weight loss

Other symptoms include fatigue, blurred vision, increased hunger, and sores that do not heal. Your caregiver will check your blood sugar level on another day using the FPG or the OGTT to confirm the diagnosis.

When should I be tested for diabetes?

Anyone 45 years old or older should consider getting tested for diabetes. If you are 45 or older and your BMI indicates that you are obese (see table 4), it is strongly recommended that you get tested. If you are younger than 45, are overweight, and have one or more of the risk factors, you should think about testing. Ask your caregiver for a FPG or an OGTT. Your general practitioner will tell you if you have normal blood glucose, pre-diabetes, or diabetes. If your blood glucose is higher than normal but lower than the diabetes range (called pre-diabetes), have your blood sugar checked in 1 to 2 years.

What steps can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes?

A major research study, the Diabetes Prevention Program, verified that people who followed a low-fat, low-calorie diet, lost a modest amount of weight, and engaged in regular physical activity (walking briskly for 30 minutes, five times a week, for example) sharply reduced their chances of developing diabetes. These strategies worked well for both men and women and were especially effective for participants aged 60 and older.

-
What is pre-diabetes?

In pre-diabetes, blood glucose levels are above normal levels but not high enough to be called diabetes. Nevertheless, numerous people with pre-diabetes tend to acquire type 2 diabetes within 10 years. Pre-diabetes also increases risk of heart disease and stroke. With moderate loss of weight and physical activity, people with pre-diabetes can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.

How are diabetes and pre-diabetes diagnosed?

The following tests are used for diagnosis:

* A fasting plasma glucose test checks your blood glucose after you have gone at least 8 hours without eating. This test is used to detect diabetes or pre-diabetes.

* An oral glucose tolerance test checks your blood sugar after you have gone at least 8 hours without eating and 2 hours after you drink a sugar-containing beverage. This test can be used to diagnose diabetes or pre-diabetes.

* In a random plasma sugar test, your caregiver measures your blood glucose irrespective to when you ate your last meal. This test, along with an assessment of symptoms, is used to diagnose diabetes but not pre-diabetes.

Positive test results should be corroborated by repeating the fasting plasma glucose test or the oral sugar tolerance test on a different day.
Fasting Plasma sugar (FPG) Test

The FPG is the preferred test for diagnosing diabetes due to convenience and is most reliable when done in the morning. Results and their meaning are shown in table 1. If your fasting glucose level is 100 to 125 mg/dL, you have a form of pre-diabetes called impaired fasting sugar (IFG), meaning that you have a higher risk to acquire type 2 diabetes but do not have it yet. A level of 126 mg/dL or above, confirmed by repeating the test on another day, means that you have diabetes.
Table 1. Fasting Plasma glucose Test
Plasma glucose Result (mg/dL) Diagnosis
99 and below Normal
100 to 125 Pre-diabetes
(impaired fasting sugar)
126 and above Diabetes*

*Confirmed by repeating the test on a different day.
Oral glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

Research has shown that the OGTT is more accurate than the FPG test for diagnosing pre-diabetes, but it is less convenient to carry out. The OGTT requires you to fast for at least 8 hours before the test. Your plasma sugar is measured immediately before and 2 hours after you drink a liquid containing 75 grams of glucose dissolved in water. Results and what they mean are shown in table 2. If your blood sugar level is between 140 and 199 mg/dL 2 hours after drinking the liquid, you have a form of pre-diabetes called impaired sugar tolerance or IGT, meaning that you are more likely to get type 2 diabetes but do not have it yet. A 2-hour glucose level of 200 mg/dL or above, validated by repeating the test on another day, means that you have diabetes.
Table 2. Oral sugar Tolerance Test
2-Hour Plasma sugar Result (mg/dL) Diagnosis
139 and below Normal
140 to 199 Pre-diabetes
(impaired glucose tolerance)
200 and above Diabetes*

*Confirmed by repeating the test on a different day.

Gestational diabetes is also diagnosed based on plasma glucose values measured during the OGTT. Blood glucose levels are checked four times during the test. If your blood sugar levels are increasedat least twice during the test, you have gestational diabetes.

A random blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or more, plus presence of these symptoms, can mean that you have diabetes:

* increased urination
* increased thirst
* unexplained weight loss

Other symptoms include fatigue, blurred vision, increased hunger, and sores that do not heal. Your physician will check your blood glucose level on another day using the FPG or the OGTT to confirm the diagnosis.

When should I be tested for diabetes?

Anyone 45 years old or older should think about getting tested for diabetes. If you are 45 or older and your BMI indicates that you are overweight (see table 4), it is strongly recommended that you get tested. If you are younger than 45, are obese, and have one or more of the risk factors, you should think about testing. Ask your caregiver for a FPG or an OGTT. Your caregiver will tell you if you have normal blood sugar, pre-diabetes, or diabetes. If your blood glucose is higher than normal but lower than the diabetes range (called pre-diabetes), have your blood sugar checked in 1 to 2 years.

What steps can slow down or prevent type 2 diabetes?

A major research study, the Diabetes Prevention Program, verified that people who followed a low-fat, low-calorie diet, lost a modest amount of weight, and engaged in regular exercise (walking briskly for 30 minutes, five times a week, for example) sharply reduced their chances of developing diabetes. These strategies worked well for both men and women and were especially effective for participants aged 60 and older.

-

What are the types of diabetes?

The three main types of diabetes are:

• type 1 diabetes
• type 2 diabetes
• gestational diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease results when the body’s system for fighting infection (the immune system) turns against a part of the body. In diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The pancreas then produces little or no insulin. A person who has type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily to live.

At present, scientists do not know exactly what causes the body’s immune system to attack the beta cells, but they believe that autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors, possibly viruses, are involved. Type 1 diabetes accounts for about 5 to 10 percent of diagnosed diabetes in the United States. It develops most often in children and young adults but can appear at any age.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes usually develop over a short period, although beta cell destruction can begin years earlier. Symptoms may include increased thirst and urination, constant hunger, weight loss, blurred vision, and extreme fatigue. If not diagnosed and treated with insulin, a person with type 1 diabetes can lapse into a life-threatening diabetic coma, also known as diabetic ketoacidosis.

Type 2 Diabetes

The most common form of diabetes is type 2 diabetes. About 90 to 95 percent of people with diabetes have type 2. This form of diabetes is most often associated with older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, previous history of gestational diabetes, physical inactivity, and certain ethnicities. About 80 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight.

Type 2 diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed in children and adolescents. However, nationally representative data on prevalence of type 2 diabetes in youth are not available.

When type 2 diabetes is diagnosed, the pancreas is usually producing enough insulin, but for unknown reasons the body cannot use the insulin effectively, a condition called insulin resistance. After several years, insulin production decreases. The result is the same as for type 1 diabetes—glucose builds up in the blood and the body cannot make efficient use of its main source of fuel.

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes develop gradually. Their onset is not as sudden as in type 1 diabetes. Symptoms may include fatigue, frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger, weight loss, blurred vision, and slow healing of wounds or sores. Some people have no symptoms.

Gestational Diabetes

Some women develop gestational diabetes late in pregnancy. Although this form of diabetes usually disappears after the birth of the baby, women who have had gestational diabetes have a 20 to 50 percent chance of developing type 2 diabetes within 5 to 10 years. Maintaining a reasonable body weight and being physically active may help prevent development of type 2 diabetes.

About 3 to 8 percent of pregnant women in the United States develop gestational diabetes. As with type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes occurs more often in some ethnic groups and among women with a family history of diabetes. Gestational diabetes is caused by the hormones of pregnancy or a shortage of insulin. Women with gestational diabetes may not experience any symptoms.

These figures are important because there are lots of things you can do in terms of prevention. Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the US and is also associated with other serious diseases like heart disease and stroke. The rise in the numbers of overweight and obese people as well as an aging population are closely linked with this increase in diabetes.