10 Early Signs of Prediabetes and How to Reduce Risk

Prediabetes can be sneaky. Your blood sugar is higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as Type 2 Diabetes. And here’s the frustrating part: lots of people feel totally fine. Still, your body may be dropping small hints that something’s off.

Below, we’ll walk through the most common warning signs, who’s most at risk, and what you can do now to lower your chances of progressing to Type 2 Diabetes.

What is Prediabetes?

If you’ve been Googling what is Prediabetes, think of it as a serious heads-up. It often happens when the body becomes more resistant to Insulin, so glucose builds up in the bloodstream over time. Prediabetes doesn’t always cause obvious symptoms, which is why routine screening matters.

For a clear medical overview of causes and risk factors, see Mayo Clinic’s guide on Prediabetes: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/Prediabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355278

Who is at Risk for Prediabetes?

Risk isn’t just about weight (though it can play a role). It’s more like a mix of genetics, lifestyle, and health history. You may have a higher risk if you:

Common risk factors

• Have a family history of Type 2 Diabetes
• Move less than you’d like to (yep, desk life counts)
• Have had Gestational diabetes or gave birth to a larger baby
• Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Have high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels

UCLA Health also points out that warning signs can get missed in women, especially when symptoms are subtle or explained away by stress or hormones: https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/Prediabetes-women-why-warning-signs-can-get-missed

10 Early Signs of Prediabetes You Should Know

Let’s be real: these signs can overlap with everyday life. That’s why patterns matter, not one random tired day.

1) Increased thirst

Feeling thirsty more often than usual can happen when your body is trying to dilute extra glucose in the blood.

2) Frequent urination

More thirst often leads to more bathroom trips. If it’s noticeably more than your normal, it’s worth noting.

3) Fatigue that doesn’t match your routine

When glucose isn’t getting into your cells efficiently, you may feel drained. Not always, but it’s a common complaint.

4) Blurry vision

High blood sugar can temporarily affect the fluid balance in your eyes, which can make vision seem off.

5) Darkened skin patches (acanthosis nigricans)

This can look like velvety dark areas, often around the neck or armpits. It’s commonly linked with Insulin resistance.

6) Slow healing cuts or frequent infections

If small wounds take longer to heal, or you keep dealing with recurring infections, elevated glucose may be part of the picture.

7) Increased hunger (even after eating)

If your cells aren’t getting glucose well, your body may respond with stronger hunger signals.

8) Unexplained weight changes

Some people notice weight gain, others lose weight without trying. Either way, unexpected shifts deserve attention.

9) Tingling or numbness in hands or feet

This is more commonly discussed with diabetes, but ongoing high blood sugar can start affecting nerves over time.

10) No symptoms at all 😬

Honestly, this is one of the biggest reasons Prediabetes is missed. Many people only find out through a blood test.

For more general warning signs associated with diabetes (which can overlap as risk increases), the American Diabetes Association has a helpful overview: https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/warning-signs-symptoms

A lot of blood sugar progress happens in regular moments like meals, walks, and simple check-ins.

The Importance of Detecting Prediabetes Early

Catching Prediabetes early gives you room to act while your body is still flexible. In many cases, improving habits and addressing risk factors can lower blood sugar and reduce the chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes. That’s a big deal.

How to detect Prediabetes

If you’re wondering how to detect Prediabetes, it usually starts with routine lab work. A clinician may use Fasting glucose, an A1c Test, or an oral glucose tolerance test. If you’ve noticed several symptoms of Prediabetes, don’t wait it out. Get checked.

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Your Risk of Prediabetes

People often search “can you reverse Prediabetes?” The more accurate framing is: you can often lower blood sugar into a healthier range, especially when action happens early.

Practical changes that actually stick

If you want lifestyle changes for Prediabetes, focus on the basics that move the needle:

1) Build balanced meals

Aim for steady, satisfying meals with fiber, protein, and healthy fats. This can help avoid big spikes and crashes.

2) Move most days

It doesn’t have to be extreme. A consistent walk after meals is surprisingly powerful. That’s a win. 🙂

3) Prioritize sleep and stress support

Poor sleep and chronic stress can affect glucose regulation. You don’t need perfection, just a plan.

4) Keep up with check-ups

Regular monitoring helps you spot trends early and adjust before things drift.

When to Consult a Doctor for Prediabetes

Reach out if you have multiple signs above, strong family history, a history of Gestational diabetes, or lab results that are trending up. Also: if something feels “off” and it keeps happening, you’re allowed to get answers.

If you’re unsure what’s normal for you, tracking patterns (energy, meals, activity, and any glucose readings you have) can make doctor visits more productive.

Optional: a simple way to stay organized

If you’re already monitoring blood sugar or want a structured log, a companion like Diabetes diary Plus can help you record glucose, meals, and trends in one place, especially for sharing notes at appointments.