Prediabetes is a condition in which the level of glucose (blood sugar) is higher than normal but not yet high enough to be considered diabetes. It often but not always leads to type 2 diabetes, and the risk factors are similar.

Although prediabetes can occur in everyone, the individuals with these traits are at the greatest risk:

• Black, Hispanic, Native American or Asian race
• Overweight or obesity
• Family history of diabetes
• Low physical activity
• High blood pressure
• Unhealthy cholesterol levels (low HDL, high LDL, high VLDL, high triglycerides)
• History of gestational diabetes (females)

With a healthy diet, exercise, and maintenance of ideal body weight, a prediabetic person can greatly reduce the chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels with the assistance of medical professionals can also help prevent or delay prediabetes from becoming diabetes.