Hearing the words “you’re prediabetic” can stir up a mix of emotions –  confusion, concern and even fear.

But, it’s important to remember that prediabetes isn’t the same as having type 2 diabetes. Instead, it’s an early warning sign and a crucial window of opportunity to make positive changes and protect your long-term health.

Ahead of World Diabetes Day (November 14), we spoke with Emma Pike, deputy head of clinical at Diabetes UK, who explained what prediabetes actually is and what practical steps people can take after a diagnosis to get their health back on track.

“Prediabetes is used quite commonly used by healthcare professionals to describe the state of having higher than normal blood glucose levels, but they’re not high enough for you to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes,” says Pike.

The HbA1c test is the most common blood test for diagnosing prediabetes because it measures your average blood glucose levels over the last two to three months, she explains.

“If your HBA1c level is between 42 and 47 mmol/mol that’s where we would say you have prediabetes or are at a very high risk of type 2 diabetes,” says Pike. “Whereas, a HbA1c level of 48 mmol/mol or above suggests you have diabetes.”

Source: offalyexpress