How to Know If You’re Pre-Diabetic – Signs, Risks, and Steps You Can Take

Pre-diabetes is a warning sign your body sends before developing type 2 diabetes. At this stage, blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. The good news? With the right lifestyle changes, pre-diabetes can often be reversed. In this blog, experienced Endocrinologists in Dubai, explain how to spot early Pre-Diabetes signs, who is at risk, and what steps you can take to protect your health.

What is Pre-Diabetes?

Pre-diabetes is often called a “silent condition” because it rarely causes obvious symptoms. The only way to confirm it is through blood tests such as:

• Fasting blood sugar test

• HbA1c test (average blood sugar over 3 months)

• Oral glucose tolerance test

If left unaddressed, pre-diabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes and increase your risk of heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage.

Who is at Risk of Pre-Diabetes?

You are more likely to have pre-diabetes if you:

• Are overweight, especially with belly fat

• Lead a sedentary lifestyle

• Have a family history of diabetes

• Are over 40 years old

• Experienced gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)

• Have high blood pressure or cholesterol

Possible Early Pre-Diabetes signs

While many people feel completely fine, subtle changes may appear, such as:

• Increased thirst

• Fatigue or low energy

• Dark, velvety skin patches (acanthosis nigricans) around the neck or underarms

Since these Pre-Diabetes signs aren’t always visible, regular health check-ups are essential.

Can Pre-Diabetes Be Reversed?

Yes — lifestyle changes can significantly lower blood sugar levels and even return them to normal. Here’s how:

• Eat a balanced diet with whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and fewer processed carbs

• Exercise at least 150 minutes per week

• Lose 5–7% of body weight if overweight

• Manage stress and sleep well

By making these changes, you can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes for many years.

Take Action Early

Don’t wait until symptoms appear. If you have risk factors, schedule a blood sugar test and discuss your results with a specialist.

👉 Consult Dr. Aswin Pankajakshan, Consultant Endocrinologist at Fakeeh University Hospital, Dubai, for expert advice and personalized care.