Prediabetes Test- What are the various tests to detect Prediabetes?

As the name suggests, "prediabetes" is a health condition that takes place prior to the occurrence of diabetes. A prediabetes test diagnosis indicates an abnormally high blood glucose level. However, blood glucose levels are not high enough for diabetes to be diagnosed yet.

Without proper lifestyle modifications and timely treatment, prediabetes is likely to result in type 2 diabetes. The severity of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are equal. In fact, in most cases, prediabetes is known to be the cornerstone of type 2 diabetes. People diagnosed with prediabetes are also at a higher risk of developing a myriad of cardiovascular diseases. Without proper lifestyle modifications and timely treatment, prediabetes is likely to result in type 2 diabetes. The severity of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are equal. In fact, in most cases, prediabetes is known to be the cornerstone of type 2 diabetes. People diagnosed with prediabetes are also at a higher risk of developing a myriad of cardiovascular diseases.

What are the symptoms of prediabetes? Generally, prediabetes does not show any sign or symptom of its occurrence. However, as prediabetes leads to type 2 diabetes, a possible sign could be skin darkening, especially around the neck, elbows, knees, knuckles, and armpits. Some of the most common symptoms that suggest the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.

How to detect prediabetes? There are four different tests to detect prediabetes i.e. A1C test, Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) test, Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), and Random Plasma Glucose (RPG) test. Let’s see each of them in brief.

1. A1C Test The A1C test is a simple blood test that measures the percentage of sugar present in hemoglobin. The test is also known as hemoglobin A1C test, HbA1C test, and glycosylated hemoglobin test. When the A1C is high, it suggests that average blood sugar levels have also been high for the past couple of months. A1C test results can be interpreted as:

• Below 5.7% Normal
• 5.7 to 6.4% - Prediabetes
• Above 6.4% - Diabetes

2. Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test The fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test is another way to test sugar levels in the blood. It is usually performed in the morning when the body has fasted for around 8 hours.

FPG test results indicate:

• Up to 100 mg/dL: Normal
• 100 mg/dL – 125 mg/dL: Prediabetes
• 126 mg/dL or more: Diabetes

Patients with result 126 mg/dL or more can go for a retest on another day to confirm a diabetes diagnosis

3. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) Although it takes more time to be conducted, an oral glucose tolerance test is a more reliable way to check blood sugar levels. OGTT test requires blood to be taken after an overnight fast, and then again post two hours of having a sugary drink.

Below are its result interpretations:

• Below 140 mg/dL – Normal
• 140 to 199 mg/dL – Prediabetes
• Above 199 mg/dL – Diabetes

A prediabetes diagnosis is an indication that the risks of developing type 2 diabetes are not far away. However, mindful dietary choices and lifestyle modifications can lower the chances of diabetes and bring blood glucose back to normal levels. A well-balanced diet consisting of fibers, proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, nuts, legumes, and dairy products, combined with moderate physical activities regularly can help fight against diabetes.

A prediabetes diagnosis is an indication that the risks of developing type 2 diabetes are not far away. Visit us to know more about Prediabetes Test