Spotting the Signs: 7 Symptoms of Prediabetes To Be Aware Of

If you've ever wondered whether you might be on the path to diabetes, you're not alone. "Do I have prediabetes?" is a common question, probably because the condition affects so many people in this country. According to the CDC, one in three adults in the US have prediabetes – that's 98 million people!

Prediabetes often goes undetected because its symptoms can be very subtle. But catching prediabetes early can make a world of difference to your long-term health.

So, what exactly is prediabetes, and why should you care? In simple terms, it's a warning sign that your blood sugar levels are higher than normal — but not quite high enough to be considered diabetes.

The good news is, by understanding your risk for prediabetes and taking action, you can avoid serious health problems down the road. Let's talk about prediabetes for a bit. Once you're grounded in the topic, we'll direct you to Nutu's Prediabetes Risk Test. By answering a few simple questions, you'll get a clearer picture of where you stand and what steps you can take to improve your health.

In This Article
Prediabetes symptoms

What Prediabetes Is and Why It Matters

Prediabetes might sound intimidating, but it simply means your blood sugar is higher than normal, although not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. Think of it as being in the "yellow zone" before the "red zone."

Now, why does this matter? Because prediabetes often comes with no clear symptoms, it's easy to miss. That's what makes it so sneaky — and dangerous. Without any obvious signs, many people don't realize they have prediabetes until it's already progressed to type 2 diabetes, which can lead to more serious health issues like heart disease and kidney problems.

But here's the upside: prediabetes doesn't have to be permanent. By catching it early and making a few lifestyle tweaks, you can actually reverse it. Understanding where you stand is the first step toward better health.

Prediabetes Symptoms and Risk Factors

One of the tricky things about prediabetes is that it often doesn't have clear, in-your-face symptoms. Many people live with it for years without knowing they're at risk for type 2 diabetes. But that doesn't mean there aren't clues — there are signs and risk factors that can help you figure out if you're at risk.

Common Symptoms of Prediabetes

While not everyone with prediabetes will have symptoms, some things to watch out for include:

  • Feeling more tired than usual, even if you're getting enough sleep
  • Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
  • Increased thirst or feeling like you're constantly thirsty
  • Frequent trips to the bathroom, especially to urinate
  • Blurred vision

Risk Factors

Even if you don't have any of the symptoms above, there are a few key factors that can put you at a higher risk:

  • Age: Being 45 or older
  • Family History: Diabetes runs in your family
  • Weight: Excess weight, especially around the waist
  • Physical Inactivity: Lack of exercise
  • Gestational Diabetes: Having ever had gestational diabetes or given birth to a baby who weighed over 9 pounds
  • Race and Ethnicity: Are an African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, or Alaska Native person. Some Pacific Islander people and Asian American people also have a higher risk.

Take the "Do I Have Prediabetes?" Quiz

Now that you know what to look for, the next step is figuring out your personal risk. This is where Nutu's Prediabetes Risk Test comes in. It's quick, easy, and designed to give you a snapshot of your health. The best part? You can take it from the comfort of your own home.

The test asks a few simple questions about your lifestyle, family history, and current health to give you an idea of whether you might be at risk. If you've been wondering, "Do I have prediabetes?" or even just feeling unsure, this quiz is a great way to find out.

Once you complete the quiz, Nutu provides you with feedback on your results. Whether you're in the clear, at risk, or already showing signs of prediabetes, you'll walk away with tips for what to do next. Only your doctor can diagnose you with prediabetes.

Take the Prediabetes Quiz

What To Do if You Have Prediabetes

So, you've taken the quiz, and it turns out you're at risk for prediabetes. Now what? The good news is that prediabetes doesn't automatically lead to diabetes. In fact, with the right lifestyle changes, you can slow down — or even reverse — the condition.

If you find yourself wondering, “What do I do if I have prediabetes?" here are a few key steps you can take:

Focus on Your Diet

Eating healthier doesn't have to mean giving up everything you love. Start by eating more whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your meals. Try cutting back on sugary drinks and processed snacks. Small, consistent changes can have a big impact on your blood sugar levels over time.

Get a Move On

You don't need to become a gym junkie to see results. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week — whether that's walking, dancing, swimming, or even gardening. The goal is to keep your body active, which helps regulate your blood sugar.

Monitor Your Health

Keeping track of your progress is key. Regular checkups with your doctor and watching your blood sugar levels will help you stay on top of your health. Nutu App offers helpful tools to monitor your health and keep you on the right track.

Stay Positive

Reversing prediabetes takes time, but it's absolutely possible. Stay focused on your goals and remember that every small step gets you closer to better health.

By taking action now, you can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other complications down the road. Nutu App's resources and support, like their easy-to-use app, are here to help guide you every step of the way.

The Nutu App: Your Health Companion

The Nutu App offers personalized support and easy-to-use features to help you stay on top of your health. You can monitor your progress, set goals, and even get reminders for healthy habits. Plus, with resources tailored to your needs, the app gives you everything you need to manage — or even reverse — your prediabetes.

You can download the Nutu App from Google Play or the Apple Store. Whether you're just starting your journey or you've been managing prediabetes for a while, the app makes it easier to stay on track.

How do I know if I have diabetes

Nutu App Overview

Get a sneak peek at the Nutu App and see how it can help you create healthy, long-lasting modifications to your lifestyle.

Take Charge of Your Health With the Nutu App

Prediabetes doesn't have to be a mystery, and it certainly doesn't have to define your future health. By understanding your personal risk factors and symptoms, you're already taking a big step in the right direction. With the Nutu Prediabetes Risk Test and the resources available through our platform, you have everything you need to make informed decisions about your health. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of avoiding more serious health issues down the road. You've got this!

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DIANE PEREZ, MD
About the Author DIANE PEREZ, MD
Diane Perez is the Vice President of Business Development at Willow Laboratories. She has been a prominent health communicator in international media, educating audiences on health and wellness through trusted, accessible content. Perez is a licensed medical doctor and has been a contributor to advancing health initiatives and legislative changes for critical newborn health screening in Mexico. In her free time she enjoys doing triathlons.

FAQs: How Do I Know If I Have Prediabetes?

Below, we've answered some common questions about living with prediabetes. Please visit our FAQ page for information on how the Nutu App can help.

How often should I get my blood sugar checked if I have prediabetes?

If you've been diagnosed with prediabetes, it's recommended to check your HbA1C level (average blood glucose over the past 2-3 months) at least once a year or as directed by your healthcare provider. Regular monitoring helps you stay aware of any changes and make necessary adjustments to your lifestyle.

Is medication necessary to manage prediabetes?

In most cases, lifestyle changes like healthier eating and regular exercise are the first steps to managing prediabetes. However, your doctor might recommend medication if your blood sugar levels are significantly high or if lifestyle changes alone aren't enough.

What foods should I avoid if I have prediabetes?

It's best to limit foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, like sugary snacks, soda, white bread, and pastries. Instead, focus on whole foods like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains to help regulate blood sugar levels.