With millions unaware they have the condition, a Medford physician urges lifestyle changes to curb the rising prediabetes threat affecting nearly 115 million Americans, emphasising early intervention can prevent worsening health outcomes.
Prediabetes affects an estimated 115.2 million American adults, and a Medford physician is urging people not to dismiss the diagnosis as routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the condition, which raises blood sugar above normal but below the diabetes threshold, can greatly increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Neha Garg, chair of the Department of Medicine at Providence, described prediabetes as an early warning rather than a fixed outcome. Speaking to NBC5 News, Garg said the diagnosis means a person is at risk of developing diabetes, but not that they are destined to get it. She said modest changes, including walking after dinner, eating more whole foods and improving sleep, can make a meaningful difference over time.
One of the biggest problems is that prediabetes often has no obvious symptoms. The CDC says about 8 in 10 adults with the condition do not know they have it. Health professionals commonly use blood tests to detect it, including the A1C test, which measures average blood sugar over two to three months, and fasting blood glucose tests.
According to the Mayo Clinic, an A1C reading between 5.7% and 6.4% falls in the prediabetes range, while a result of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes. A fasting blood sugar level of 100 to 125 mg/dL is also considered prediabetes. Garg said age and weight matter, but they are not the whole story, noting that younger adults and people at a healthy weight can still be affected because of family history, ethnicity and inactivity.
The CDC recommends lifestyle changes such as healthier eating and more physical activity, and says these steps can cut the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by about half. It also offers a risk test and prevention resources, while the American Diabetes Association says screening should begin at age 35, or earlier for people with risk factors.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
