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Prediabetes

Before people develop type 2 diabetes they usually have what is called prediabetes. You may have heard this referred to as “borderline” diabetes. Prediabetes develops when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes.
Prediabetes usually has no symptoms. The vast majority of people living with prediabetes do not know they have it. Some long-term damage to the body, especially the heart and circulatory system, may already be occurring.   
A person with prediabetes is 5 to 15 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes
than someone with normal blood sugar levels.

​On This Page

West Virginia Information

Prediabetes in West Virginia Infographic (2016 update)
Prediabetes in West Virginia Fact Sheet (2016 update)
Take the Prediabetes Risk Test
Find a CDC-Recognized National Diabetes Prevention
Program Near You

 

  If you have prediabetes, getting type 2 diabetes doesn’t have to be a sure thing.
In fact, prediabetes can often be reversed.
Am I at Risk?
Answer these seven simple questions. For each “Yes” answer, add the number of points listed. All “No” answers are 0 points.
Π   I am 45 years of age or older (1 point if “yes”)
Π   I am obese or overweight (1 point if “yes”)
Π   I have a parent, sister, or brother with diabetes (1 point if "yes")
Π   My family background is African-American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander (5 points if "yes")
Π   I had diabetes while I was pregnant or I gave birth to a baby weighing 9 lbs. or more (5 points if "yes") 
Π   I am physically active less than 3 times a week (5 points if “yes”)
Π   I am 65 years of age or older.  (9 points if “yes”)

Check your score to see what it means.

Check Your Score

food scale.jpgIf Your Score Is 3 To 8 Points

This means your risk is probably low for having prediabetes now. Keep your risk low. If you’re overweight, lose weight. Be active most days, and don’t use tobacco. Eat low-fat meals with fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods. If you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, talk to your health care provider about your risk for type 2 diabetes.

If Your Score Is 9 Or More Points

This means your risk is high for having prediabetes now. Please make an appointment with your health care provider soon.

CDC Prediabetes Screening Test 
blood test.jpgThere are several blood tests that can be used to find out if you have prediabetes.
Fasting blood glucose: if glucose level is 100-125 mg/dl
A1c Test: if glucose level is 5.7% - 6.4% (Measures average blood glucose level for past two-three months.
Two-hour oral glucose tolerance test: if glucose level is 140-199 mg/dl (Blood sugar is tested after fasting overnight and two hours after drinking a sweet liquid.)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Prediabetes Site

​How can I get tested for prediabetes?

Individual or group health insurance: See your health care provider. If you don’t have a provider, ask your insurance company about providers who take your insurance. Deductibles and copays may apply.

test.jpgMedicaid: See your health care provider. If you don’t have a provider, contact a state Medicaid office or contact your local health department.

Medicare: See your health care provider. Medicare will pay the cost of testing if the provider has a reason for testing. If you don’t have a provider, contact your local health department.

No insurance: Contact your local health department for more information about where you could be tested or call your local health clinic.​

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Prediabetes Site
Can type 2 diabetes be prevented? 
stop sign 1.pngJoin a CDC-recognized diabetes prevention lifestyle change program to help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.
A CDC-recognized lifestyle change program is a structured program—in person or online—developed specifically to prevent type 2 diabetes. It is designed for people who have prediabetes or are at risk for type 2 diabetes, but who do not already have diabetes.
A trained lifestyle coach leads the program to help you change certain aspects of your lifestyle, like eating healthier, reducing stress, and getting more physical activity. The program also includes group support from others who share your goals and struggles.
This lifestyle change program is not a fad diet or an exercise class. And it’s not a quick fix. It’s a year-long program focused on long-term changes and lasting results.
A year might sound like a long commitment, but learning new habits, gaining new skills, and building confidence takes time. As you begin to eat better and become more active, you’ll notice changes in how you feel, and maybe even in how you look.
To learn more about what it’s like to be in a lifestyle change program, visit The Lifestyle Change Program for details.
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Health Promotion and Chronic Disease
350 Capitol Street, Room 514  Charleston, WV 25301-3715
Ph: (304) 356-4193 Fx: (304) 558-1553
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