What should I do if I am diagnosed with prediabetes?

If your doctor tells you that you have prediabetes, it means your blood glucose levels are higher than the normal range, but they have not yet reached the threshold for type 2 diabetes. This diagnosis is not just a warning sign, but a real, actionable opportunity to prevent or delay the progression of the disease. Appropriate lifestyle changes can help prevent type 2 diabetes or delay its onset [1] [3].

Starting with Effective Lifestyle Modifications

The cornerstone of managing prediabetes is sustainable lifestyle changes, which have been proven to be the most effective way to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. The goal is not to achieve perfection immediately, but to start with gradual and consistent steps [3].

• Weight Loss: Weight loss is considered one of the most important steps. Studies show that losing between 5% to 7% of your current body weight can significantly reduce the risk of the condition progressing to type 2 diabetes. For example, if you weigh 90 kilograms, losing 4.5 to 6.3 kilograms makes a tangible difference [1].
• Increasing Physical Activity: Physical activity helps the body use insulin better and lowers blood glucose levels. It is recommended to commit to at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, on most days of the week (about 5 days) [1].
• Smart Nutrition: A healthy diet does not mean deprivation; rather, it means focusing on the quality of food. Reduce calories by choosing smaller portions, avoid sugary drinks that raise blood sugar quickly, and replace them with water. Focusing on fiber-rich foods like whole grains, vegetables, and fruits helps control sugar levels better [3].

For more details on how to implement these habits daily, you can review Preventing Type 2 Diabetes: Effective Strategies for a Healthy Lifestyle (Arabic).

The Role of Medication and Medical Follow-up

In some cases, lifestyle modifications alone may not be sufficient, especially if blood sugar levels are very high or if the person has additional risk factors. Your doctor may discuss treatment options such as the drug "metformin" to help you control the condition and prevent it from worsening [3]. This decision must be made in full consultation with your healthcare provider.

If you have a history of gestational diabetes, discuss the timing of postpartum glucose testing and subsequent follow-up with your medical team. These appointments are determined within a gestational diabetes follow-up plan and should not be replaced by a general appointment for all those with prediabetes.

When to Consult a Doctor?

While prediabetes is often a silent condition, you should pay attention to any sudden changes that might indicate the condition has progressed to type 2 diabetes. If you notice symptoms such as increased urination, extreme thirst, excessive hunger even after eating, blurred vision, fatigue, or slow-healing wounds, these could be signs that blood sugar levels have risen beyond the prediabetes stage. In these cases, you should not delay visiting the doctor and undergoing the necessary tests to obtain the correct evaluation and appropriate clinical follow-up [5].

Medical references

• How to Prevent Diabetes
• Preventing Type 2 Diabetes
• Pregnancy if You Have Diabetes - NIDDK
• Symptoms & Causes of Diabetes - NIDDK