Pre-diabetes is when blood glucose levels are higher than normal – but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Often, pre-diabetes has no signs or symptoms, but like type 2 diabetes, it results when the body's insulin not working effectively.
There are two pre-diabetes conditions:
- Impaired fasting glucose or
- Impaired glucose tolerance.
Having either condition can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It is possible to have both conditions.
The big issue with pre-diabetes
- Pre-diabetes also increases the risk of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease which may lead to heart attack and stroke.
- Making positive lifestyle changes can reduce your risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
- If you have been diagnosed by your doctor as having pre-diabetes you should have a diabetes test every year.
How do I know if I have pre-diabetes?
If you get a 'high' score on the AUDSRISK tool (i.e. a score of 12 or more), we strongly recommend you talk to your doctor. If you do not have a doctor, call us on 1300 198 204 or email [email protected] and we can help you find a doctor in your local area.
Pre-diabetes is usually detected, and can only be diagnosed, if your doctor orders a blood test(s). Your doctor usually does this if you have risk factors that increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
The blood test(s) will be analysed at a pathology lab.
You will need to go back to your doctor to discuss your blood results.
Provided you have a Medicare card, the blood test(s) will be bulked billed so there will be no out-of-pocket costs to you.
Remember, if you are concerned you may have pre-diabetes or type 2, take the first step in understanding your risk by taking the risk test.
Click the button below to take the AUSDRISK test.
Calculate your risk online or download the PDF.
What health check am I am eligible for if I am at risk of diabetes?
If you get an AUSDRISK a 'high' score (i.e. a score of 12 or more), we strongly recommend you talk to your doctor. If you do not have a doctor, call us on 1300 198 204 or email us at [email protected]; we can help you find one in your local area.
If your doctor determines you have prediabetes or are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future, you may be eligible for up to 2 screenings each year that are rebated by Medicare. Talk to your doctor.
As part of the screening for type 2 diabetes, your doctor will order one or more of the following:
- fasting blood glucose (FBG) or
- HbA1c, or
- An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
It is also important to note that:
- Individuals who are not at high risk of type 2 diabetes should be screened for risk of diabetes every three years from 40 years of age using the Australian type 2 diabetes risk assessment tool (AUSDRISK).
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be screened annually with blood testing from 18 years of age.
Diabetes SA is always at hand too and you can call our support line on 1300 198 204 or contact us for other great resources to support you live a healthy life.