Don’t let the “pre” fool you. Prediabetes is a serious health condition. People with PreDiabetes have higher blood sugar than normal, but not high enough yet for a diabetes diagnosis. Prediabetes puts you at increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, Heart disease, and Stroke.
You can have prediabetes for years without symptoms. This means you likely won’t know you have prediabetes until serious health problems show up and the risk factors are the same as for Type 2 Diabetes:
- 45 years or older.
- Having a parent, brother, or sister with or had Type 2 Diabetes.
- Being physically active less than 3 times a week.
- Having gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy).
- Giving birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds.
- Race and ethnicity are also factors. African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander, and some Asian American people are at higher risk
Consider prediabetes a critical juncture. If left unaddressed, your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes significantly increases. By losing a modest amount of weight, engaging in regular physical activity, updating you’re eating plan to include whole foods and eliminating highly refined carbohydrates and high-sugar foods, you can effectively reverse prediabetes and lower your risk.
Pre-diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests, specifically the HbA1c or A1c test. However, there are few symptoms, so approximately 80% of individuals with pre-diabetes are unaware of their condition. While pre-diabetes is often considered a precursor to Type 2 diabetes, it can also be a precursor to Type 1 diabetes and other diabetic conditions. Type 1 diabetes has a distinct pathology from other forms of diabetes, so pre-diabetes may only be detectable for a short period before full-blown Type 1 diabetes manifests.
Because pre-diabetes has no symptoms and can be managed for several years, it is advisable to have your doctor perform the test. In Ontario, Canada, the test is prescribed by a doctor and is covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). If you are asked to pay for the test, as of March 2026, the cost would be approximately CAD$15. This modest expense is a worthwhile investment in peace of mind, an early warning and an opportunity to reverse lifestyle habits that can lead to more serious conditions.
