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Prediabetes usually has no symptoms. In some instances a patient may experience symptoms of type 2 diabetes such as increased thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria), increased hunger (polyphagia), fatigue, blurred vision, frequent infections, slow-healing wounds or other diabetic symptoms. 

In uncommon cases, some patients have experienced symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, such as tingling, numbness, pain or itching in the legs or elsewhere.

To screen for prediabetes and diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends that anyone 45 years or older have a glucose test. Glucose screening is particularly important if the individual is overweight, obese or has a family history of diabetes.

In addition, overweight individuals under the age of 45 may be screened if they have any of the other risk factors for diabetes. Children and adolescents who are at risk should be screened every 2 years after the age of 10, or at the onset of puberty if it occurs at a younger age.

There are two standard tests used for diagnosing prediabetes. They are administered differently but both provide results that indicate high glucose (blood sugar) levels and prediabetes.

These tests, which can be administered in a physician’s office, are:

• Fasting plasma glucose test (FPG).  A sample of blood is taken from the vein after an individual has not had anything to eat or drink for eight to 10 hours. The blood is tested for the amount of glucose that is present in the sample. Fasting glucose that is between 100 and 125 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) indicates prediabetes.
  
  
• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). This test requires an individual to drink 8 ounces of a glucose solution after fasting overnight. The glucose is measured before drinking the liquid, then every hour for a two– to three–hour period. Glucose levels that rise to between 140 and 199 mg/dL indicate prediabetes.

Both tests should be performed at different times to confirm a diagnosis of prediabetes. Once diagnosed with prediabetes, the person will be given a plan of treatment by the physician to help prevent type 2 diabetes.