Prediabetes Symptoms: Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Jake Newby
| 3 min read
Jake Newby is a brand journalist for Blue Cross Blue...
Key Takeaways
- Prediabetes affects more than two in five U.S. adults, yet many people don't realize they have the condition.
- Most people with prediabetes experience few or no symptoms, making routine blood sugar screenings especially important.
- Warning signs can include increased thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, frequent urination and slow-healing wounds.
- Healthy lifestyle changes, including weight loss and regular exercise, can help reverse prediabetes and prevent Type 2 diabetes.
Prediabetes affects millions of Americans, yet many people have no idea they have it. More than 2 in 5 U.S. adults have prediabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The condition is characterized by higher-than-normal blood sugar levels that are not quite high enough for a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
Prediabetes often develops quietly, with many people not experiencing symptoms until their blood sugar levels quickly rise toward Type 2 diabetes. Still, symptoms like increased thirst and hunger, fatigue, blurred vision and frequent urination should be viewed as warning signs to take seriously. Catching prediabetes early may be one of the most effective steps you can take to protect your long-term health.
Does prediabetes have symptoms? Why many people don’t know they have it
One of the biggest concerns about prediabetes is that it frequently causes no obvious symptoms. The Mayo Clinic notes that many people learn they have prediabetes only through routine blood work or a health screening.
However, when blood sugar begins climbing higher, several symptoms associated with diabetes may start to appear.
| Category | Prediabetes | Type 2 Diabetes |
|---|---|---|
| Blood sugar levels | Higher than normal, but not high enough for diabetes diagnosis | High enough to meet diabetes diagnostic criteria |
| Symptoms | Often no symptoms or mild symptoms | Symptoms are more likely and often more noticeable |
| Increased thirst and urination | Sometimes | Common |
| Risk of complications | Elevated risk if untreated | Significantly higher risk of complications |
| Heart disease risk | Increased | Higher |
| Reversibility | Often reversible with lifestyle changes | Can be managed effectively; remission may be possible for some people |
| Treatment approach | Healthy eating, weight management, regular exercise and monitoring | Lifestyle changes plus medications and/or insulin when needed |
| Screening importance | Helps prevent progression to Type 2 diabetes | Helps manage disease and reduce complications |
10 prediabetes symptoms and early warning signs to watch for
Increased thirst: Excess sugar in the bloodstream can trigger dehydration, causing you to feel thirsty more often than usual. You may find yourself constantly reaching for water but rarely feeling fully satisfied.
Frequent urination: When blood sugar levels rise, the kidneys work harder to remove excess glucose through urine. This can lead to more frequent bathroom trips, especially during the night.
Increased hunger: Even after eating, your body's cells may struggle to use glucose effectively because of insulin resistance. As a result, you may feel hungry more often or shortly after meals.
Fatigue: When glucose can't efficiently enter your cells to be used as energy, you may feel unusually tired, sluggish or mentally drained throughout the day.
Blurred vision: Elevated blood sugar can affect fluid levels in the eyes, according to the Cleveland Clinic, making it more difficult to focus and causing temporary vision changes.
Darkened skin patches: One of the more distinctive warning signs of insulin resistance is dark, velvety skin, a condition known as acanthosis nigricans. These patches often develop around the neck, armpits or groin.
Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet: Persistently elevated blood sugar may begin affecting nerves, leading to tingling, burning or numb sensations in the extremities.
Frequent infections: Higher blood sugar can make it easier for infections to develop and harder for the body to fight them off. Some people notice recurrent urinary tract infections or other infections.
Slow-healing sores: Cuts, scrapes and other wounds may take longer to heal when blood sugar levels remain elevated. The Cleveland Clinic identifies this as a sign that blood vessels and circulation may be affected.
Unexplained weight loss: Although weight gain is a risk factor for prediabetes, sudden weight loss without changes to diet or exercise may occur when the body struggles to use glucose properly.
What to do if you have prediabetes
Prediabetes can strain the heart and blood vessels. In more serious cases, prediabetes is linked to heart attacks and kidney damage, according to Teladoc Health.
The good news is prediabetesis reversible. Changes to your diet and lifestyle can help you prevent Type 2 diabetes. The CDC says losing just 5% to 7% of your body weight and getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week can significantly reduce your risk of prediabetes. Guidance and coaching can go a long way, as well. Click here to learn about Teladoc Health’s Diabetes Management Program.
If you notice any of these symptoms or have risk factors such as excess weight, a family history of diabetes or physical inactivity, talk with your primary care provider about a blood sugar screening.
Photo credit: Getty Images
