Diagnostic criteria

Pre-diabetes can have no signs or symptoms. People with pre-diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and possible cardiovascular (heart and circulation) disease.

If you are at risk of pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes, your GP or healthcare professional will carry out a blood test called glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) which will determine if you are living with diabetes or not. See the numbers below.

Diagnostic criteria on blood test: HbA1c

Normal range: 20-39 mmol/mol
Pre-diabetes: 39-47 mmol/mol
Diabetes: 48 mmol/mol and above

Without sustained lifestyle changes, including healthy eating, increased activity and losing weight, approximately 5-10% of people with pre-diabetes will go on to develop type 2 diabetes each year. Prevention is key!

Always ask your GP or healthcare professional for your HbA1c result, know your numbers.

Risk factors for pre-diabetes are like those for type 2 diabetes which are:

Modifiable:

Being overweight: especially those who have excess weight around the waistline
Not being physically active
Having high cholesterol
Having high blood pressure
Smoking

Non-modifiable:

Having a first degree relative with type 2 diabetes
Ethnic background
Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)*
Women who have had diabetes in pregnancy (gestational diabetes) or given birth to a big baby (more than 4.5 kgs)

For more information on pre-diabetes and diabetes prevention programmes see:

Check here to see what is your risk of type 2 diabetes Pre-Diabetes