Between normal blood sugar levels and diabetes there is an intermediate zone: prediabetes. Often discovered by chance during a blood test, it is rightly worrying, but it also brings good news: at this stage, the disease is still reversible. This is the best opportunity to act.
1. What is prediabetes?
Prediabetes corresponds to higher than normal blood sugar levels, without reaching the threshold for diabetes. It reflects insulin resistance that is setting in. Without intervention, it often progresses to type 2 diabetes, but this transition is not automatic.
| Situation | Fasting blood sugar (benchmark) |
|---|---|
| Normal | 0.70 – 1.10 g/L |
| Prediabetes | 1.10 – 1.26 g/L |
| Diabetes | ≥ 1.26 g/L (to be confirmed) |
2. Why it is an action window
Large studies have shown that at this stage, lifestyle modification can reduce the risk of progressing to diabetes by more than half, often more effectively than medication. Prediabetes is therefore less of a threat than an opportunity to regain control.
3. Effective levers
- Lose a little weight if necessary (even modestly)
- Move regularly, at least 150 minutes per week
- Priorize fiber, vegetables and foods with a low glycemic index
- Limit ultra-processed products and sugary drinks
These changes, even moderate, have a major impact. Consistency matters more than perfection.
4. Follow-up to stay on track
Faced with prediabetes, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels allows you to measure progress and stay motivated. The doctor supports this process and checks the absence of other risk factors.
Prediabetes is a benevolent warning from the body: listening to it often means avoiding diabetes and its complications.
💡 tips to remember
- Prediabetes corresponds to higher than normal blood sugar levels without reaching the diabetes threshold: it is a reversible warning signal.
- At this stage, lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by more than half, often more than medication.
- Losing a little weight and moving at least 150 minutes per week are the most effective levers.
- I favor fiber and vegetables and I limit ultra-processed products and sugary drinks: regularity counts more than perfection.
- Regular blood sugar monitoring helps measure progress: prediabetes is a warning to listen to.
