Prediabetes | Baltimore | UMMC Midtown Campus

Prediabetes is the first step to developing Type 2 diabetes. It's a warning sign and an opportunity for you to prevent a more serious illness.

With lifestyle changes and support, you can prevent prediabetes from developing into Type 2 diabetes.

Have been told you have or at risk for prediabetes? Learn how you can avoid developing diabetes with Healthier2Gether, our free diabetes prevention program.

Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes

Insulin is made by your pancreas to help your cells absorb glucose, or sugar, from the bloodstream to fuel your body. Insulin resistance means your muscle, fat and liver cells can't properly use insulin to absorb glucose. This causes your pancreas to make more insulin to ensure your cells absorb enough glucose. If it can't make enough insulin to keep up with glucose levels, you may develop prediabetes.

Prediabetes: A Warning Sign for Type 2 Diabetes

Prediabetes occurs when your blood sugar levels are high, but not yet high enough to classify as Type 2 diabetes. Instead, a prediabetes diagnosis warns that you are on your way to developing Type 2 diabetes. High levels of blood sugar can lead to diabetes, which can cause complications that include heart disease, reduced vision, nerve damage and stroke.

Prediabetes Symptoms

Although prediabetes usually has no symptoms, darkened skin in the armpit, on your back or the sides of your neck, and small skin growths in these areas can indicate prediabetes.

Prediabetes Risk Factors

According to the CDC, prediabetes affects about 41% of men and 32% of women ages 18 or older. Specific risk factors include:

Age 45 or older
Ancestries such as African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander American
Family history of Type 2 diabetes – parent, sister or brother
Gestational diabetes
History of heart disease or stroke
Little or no physical activity or exercise
Overweight
Polycystic ovary syndrome, a common cause of female infertility

An A1C Test can Diagnose Prediabetes

The A1C test is one of the most common tools used to diagnose prediabetes. The test measures your average blood sugar levels, and you can take it at your doctor's office. After taking our blood sample, your doctor will send it to a lab and tell you the results.

Prediabetes: A Chance to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

If you know you have prediabetes, you have an opportunity to prevent or delay developing Type 2 diabetes. Making permanent lifestyle changes like losing weight and eating a healthier diet will get you on your way. But you don't have to do it alone.

Participate in Healthier2Gether, our free diabetes prevention program. This CDC-approved program provides information and coaching to help you make lifestyle changes to reverse prediabetes or prevent it from becoming Type 2 diabetes.

This program is only for people who have not been diagnosed with diabetes. However, if you already have diabetes, the University of Maryland Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology can help manage all forms of diabetes and any related conditions.