Being told you have prediabetes may be frightening because the condition often leads to type 2 diabetes. Diabetes often needs to be treated with insulin shots or other medications, and it has many possible complications, including heart disease, kidney failure, eye diseases and nerve damage. However, it is important to remember that having prediabetes does not mean you will necessarily get diabetes.

There are many disorders over which the individual has little or no control. Luckily, prediabetes is not one of these. There are many things you can do to prevent, control or even resolve prediabetes. By working with your doctor and following your treatment plan, you can help keep your prediabetes from worsening to type 2 diabetes. For example:

Inform yourself about your condition

Learn everything you can about prediabetes and type 2 diabetes from reliable sources. Write down questions to ask your doctor, and do not be shy about asking them. Get a second opinion if you think you could benefit from one.

Know what your blood sugar level is and what it should be. Know what the risk factors are for prediabetes and diabetes. Learn about all the possible complications of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. This knowledge could be a powerful motivator.

Get the right medical care

If you have prediabetes, it's especially important to see your doctor regularly. Ask how often you should have an appointment. Keep all your appointments. Inform your doctor of any complications. Ask your doctor if you should have a referral to any specialists. See your dentist regularly. Get a complete eye exam, preferably from an ophthalmologist, according to your recommended schedule.

Ask how often you should have your blood sugar tested, and follow the recommendations. A quick and nearly painless needle jab can help you prevent serious consequences.

Improve your exercise habits

Increasing physical activity is typically a cornerstone of a treatment plan for prediabetes. Be sure to get your doctor's approval before starting an exercise program. You might need a physical exam, especially if you haven't exercised in a while. Ask your doctor if there are any activities in particular that you should focus on or avoid.

Typically you’ll be advised to start at modest level of activity and gradually build up the time and intensity. Sometimes people throw themselves into a new exercise program, injure themselves and then quit. Don't make that mistake. It's much better to be moderate and stick to your program. Remember the story of the tortoise and the hare.

Don't be embarrassed to work out if you're overweight, out of shape or getting on in years. If you find it too intimidating to go a gym full of hard bodies, check out your other options: classes at your neighborhood school or community center or senior center, yoga or tai chi courses, water aerobics classes at the Y, mall walking clubs, etc. Or, exercise by yourself or with a few friends if that makes you more comfortable. Even a daily stroll around the neighborhood will help.

Improve your eating habits

Diet is typically the other cornerstone of a treatment plan for prediabetes. The word “diet†here does not mean some crazy fad. Think sensible lifetime eating plan, not a temporary stunt.

Your doctor may refer you to a registered dietitian for help. Typically you will be advised to eat smaller portions, perhaps four to six small meals a day instead of three big ones. Mom was right about breakfast -- it is important. Eating breakfast can keep you from crashing in the middle of the morning and filling yourself with doughnuts.

You may be advised to eat plenty of fiber-rich and vitamin-packed vegetables and fruits, adequate amounts of lean proteins such as fish and egg whites, adequate amounts of lean dairy such as fat-free yogurt, and a modest amount of "good" fats such as olive oil and nuts. Generally you'll be advised to reduce your consumption of animal fats, trans fats, highly processed starches, sugars and junk food. Ask your doctor or dietitian for details, and how much alcohol, if any, you should drink.

Follow the rest of your treatment plan

People with prediabetes often have high blood pressure and unhealthy levels of cholesterol. It's vital to get those conditions under control because they also increase the risk of diabetes as well as a host of other conditions, notably heart disease.

You may be prescribed medication for prediabetes or other conditions. It is important to learn about the medications you are taking. Know the name of the drug and its possible side effects, especially which ones you should immediately report to a physician. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you have about how and when to take your medication, what other drugs may interfere or interact negatively with your medications, and so forth.

Involve family and friends

Making your loved ones part of your prediabetes treatment and prevention will not only make it easier for you to stick to your plan, it can also benefit their health. You can help keep your kids and spouse from becoming prediabetic by serving them the same healthier food you're eating. Take them food shopping, explain why certain foods are healthful or unhealthful and get them involved in food preparation. Also, help the whole family get more active by going for walks together, swimming at the beach and so forth. See if your friends will join you for a bike ride or yoga class.