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What is prediabetes?

Prediabetes (also known as impaired glucose tolerance) is a stage where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes.

The most concerning aspect is that most people with prediabetes have no clear symptoms.

If left unmanaged, it can progress to type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition associated with severe complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss.

The good news: With early detection and lifestyle changes, blood sugar levels can often return to normal, preventing the progression to full-blown diabetes.

Causes and Risk Factors

Common Causes:

• Insulin resistance: The body's cells don't respond normally to insulin, causing sugar to build up in the blood.
• Impaired insulin production: The pancreas fails to produce enough insulin to maintain healthy levels.
• Excess weight (especially belly fat): Visceral fat directly interferes with metabolism.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity reduces insulin sensitivity.
• Poor diet: High intake of refined carbohydrates and added sugars.

Who is at risk?

• Individuals aged 45 or older**.
• Those with a family history of type 2 diabetes.
• Individuals who are overweight or have a large waist circumference.
• Women with a history of gestational diabetes.
• People with high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
• Smokers or those with rapid weight gain.

Recognition signs

Most people with prediabetes show no symptoms. A few subtle signs may include:

• Acanthosis nigricans: Darkened, thickened skin patches on the neck, armpits, or groin.
• Vague symptoms: Fatigue, increased thirst, or frequent urination (often easily ignored).

Note: Since there are few specific signs, a blood test is the only way to get an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosis methods

Doctors use the following blood sugar markers:

HbA1c (Average blood sugar over 2–3 months):

• 5.7% - 6.4% - Prediabetes.
• ≥ 6.5% - Diabetes.

Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG):

• 5.6 – 6.9 mmol/L - Prediabetes.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT):

• Measures blood sugar 2 hours after consuming 75g of glucose.
• 7.8 – 11 mmol/L - Prediabetes.

In practice, physicians typically combine multiple tests and clinical evaluations to ensure an accurate conclusion.

Is Prediabetes dangerous?

Prediabetes is more than just a "stepping stone" to type 2 diabetes. Even at this stage, prolonged elevation of blood sugar can:

• Damage blood vessels.
• Increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
• Negatively affect the kidneys, eyes, and peripheral nerves.

Therefore, early intervention is the most effective way to safeguard long-term health.

Prevention and management

1. Lifestyle modifications – The core foundation

• Increase physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes per week (brisk walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, etc.).
• Healthy eating: Prioritize green vegetables, whole grains, fish, beans, and nuts; limit sugary drinks, fried foods, and fast food.
• Weight management: Losing just 5–7% of body weight can significantly reduce the risk of progressing to diabetes.
• Limit alcohol consumption and quit smoking.

2. Regular health monitoring

• Undergo HbA1c or fasting blood sugar tests as clinically indicated.
• Regularly monitor blood pressure, lipid profiles, and body weight.
• Track waist circumference to monitor abdominal fat, a critical factor in insulin resistance.

3. Medical treatment

In certain cases involving multiple risk factors or poorly controlled blood sugar, doctors may prescribe medication such as Metformin. However, medication is purely supportive lifestyle change remains the primary foundation.

When to see a doctor?

You should consult a specialist if you:

• Have a family member with diabetes.
• Are overweight, particularly around the midsection.
• Have high blood pressure or lipid disorders.
• Have a history of gestational diabetes.
• Are over 45 and want a routine health check-up.

To schedule a screening or consultation for prediabetes at DYM Medical Center Vietnam, please contact:

• DYM Medical Center Saigon: Room B101-B103, Basement 1, mPlaza Saigon Building, No. 39 Le Duan, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

• DYM Medical Center Phu My Hung: Room 3A01, 3A Floor, The Grace Building, 71 Hoang Van Thai Street, Tan My Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

• DYM Medical Center Hanoi: B1 Basement, Epic Tower, Alley 19 Duy Tan, Cau Giay Ward, Ha Noi

• Hotline: 1900 29 29 37