If your blood glucose level is higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes, you may have pre-diabetes.

When you have pre-diabetes is means your body’s insulin is not working effectively.

It’s estimated that there are almost 2 million Australians currently living with pre-diabetes.

Is pre-diabetes serious?

High blood glucose can cause serious health issues if it is not controlled. When you have pre-diabetes it puts you at a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

If left untreated pre-diabetes can develop into type 2 diabetes.

The signs and symptoms of pre-diabetes

Pre-diabetes may have no signs or symptoms but there are factors that put you at higher risk:

• Do you have high blood pressure?
• Are you overweight?
• Do you lead an inactive lifestyle?
• Do you have high cholesterol?
• Does someone in your family have type 2 diabetes?
• Do you have a family history of type 2 diabetes or heart disease?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions you may be at risk of pre-diabetes and you should talk to your doctor about it at your next visit.

Managing pre-diabetes

A healthy lifestyle is the key to managing pre-diabetes and it will help delay or prevent the development of type 2 diabetes and other serious health issues.

This may mean you need to make changes to lose some weight, eat well and exercise regularly.

If you smoke, one of the best things you can do for your health is to quit. Giving up can be hard so ask your friends and family for support. Your doctor and Quitline (13 78 48) can also help improve your chance of success.

Also add a pre-diabetes health check to your annual health check-up.

For more information on pre-diabetes check out our factsheet