Diseases & Conditions

Ask the doctor: Prediabetes: signaling a need for lifestyle change

Q. My doctor says my blood sugar is high, and that I may be at risk for prediabetes. What is prediabetes and how can I avoid it?

A. Prediabetes is a condition between normal health and full-blown diabetes, a condition that puts you at greater risk for developing diabetes. If you have been fasting for 8 hours or more, and you have a blood glucose (a kind of sugar) level of 100 to 125 mg/dL, you have prediabetes. If you have a level of 126 mg/dL or greater, you have full-blown diabetes. If you have prediabetes, particularly if your fasting blood glucose levels are in the upper part of the 100-125 mg/dL range, you are a considerably greater risk for developing the most common form of diabetes, type 2 diabetes. You can reduce your risk of getting both prediabetes and diabetes with the same strategies: regular moderate exercise and keeping a healthy weight. In fact, such lifestyle changes are more powerful in preventing diabetes or prediabetes than any medicine yet discovered. And regular moderate exercise—like 30 minutes of brisk walking at least 5 times a week—protects you against diabetes even if you don't lose weight.

To continue reading this article, you must log in.

Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.

  • Research health conditions
  • Check your symptoms
  • Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
  • Find the best treatments and procedures for you
  • Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
Learn more about the many benefits and features of joining Harvard Health Online »

I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.

Sign Me Up

Already a member? Login ».

Disclaimer:

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss...from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts.

BONUS! Sign up now and
get a FREE copy of the
Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.