You’ve Been Told You Have Prediabetes. What Happens Next?

So, what is prediabetes exactly? When your body is no longer responding to insulin as effectively as it should, the glucose levels in the blood begin to rise. This condition, where glucose levels rise but are not as high as in diabetes, is called prediabetes. Prediabetes can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is a chronic disease. However, it doesn’t mean such progression to diabetes is inevitable. Other factors, including excess weight, can also affect metabolic health, so understanding the early signs that your weight may be affecting your health can be useful. Prediabetes sits below the diagnostic range for type 2 diabetes, which means early action can be worthwhile. This is the key difference when comparing prediabetes vs type 2 diabetes. 

Understanding Your Prediabetes HbA1c Range

HbA1c is a blood test that reflects your average blood glucose over roughly the previous 8 to 12 weeks. In Australia, an HbA1c of 6.0–6.4% (42–47 mmol/mol) is considered a high-risk range for developing type 2 diabetes. An HbA1c of 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) or higher may indicate diabetes and generally requires confirmation. However, along with these results, you should also consider other test results and your individual circumstances.

You May Not Feel Any Different

You might wonder how you’d fail to notice if your blood sugar is rising. You’d think the body would give you some obvious signs. But one of the confusing things about prediabetes symptoms is that there often aren’t any. Many people discover prediabetes through routine blood tests rather than because they feel unwell. And there’s not much difference in the symptoms of prediabetes in females and males either. And even if there are some signs, they’re usually subtle and not enough to confirm prediabetes. So, if you’ve recently been told you have prediabetes, or you’re concerned about your blood sugar levels, consider speaking with a local GP or visiting GP Northbourne to understand your results and decide what to do next.

What Happens Next? Start With Small Changes

A prediabetes diet doesn’t need to mean giving up everything you enjoy. A balanced eating pattern built around vegetables, wholegrains, fibre-rich foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats can support better blood glucose management. Your GP or dietitian can help you work out what a proper diet for prediabetes looks like for you. Regular physical activity can also help your body use glucose more effectively. Even practical changes, such as walking more often or finding an activity you enjoy, can be a useful place to start. So, if you’re noticing changes in your weight and are concerned about it, understanding when early symptoms of obesity may need medical attention can help you decide when to speak with your GP.

Prediabetes Doesn’t Mean Diabetes Is Inevitable

Being told you have prediabetes can feel like a warning you didn’t expect. But it also gives you an opportunity to understand your health and make changes before your blood glucose reaches the diabetes range. Your next step doesn’t have to be a complete lifestyle overhaul. Healthy eating, physical activity, and personalised medical advice can help reduce the risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes. Book an appointment with GP Northbourne today to understand your results, discuss your risk, and create a practical plan for your health.