Prediabetes usually has no clear signs at all. That is the most important thing to know. According to the CDC, 115.2 million American adults have prediabetes, and 8 in 10 of them do not know it. When signs do appear, they are easy to dismiss: increased thirst, more frequent urination, fatigue, or patches of darkened, velvety skin on the neck or armpits. Because symptoms are unreliable, a blood test is the only way to confirm prediabetes. Catching it early matters, because prediabetes can often be reversed. Below are the signs worth noting, the test ranges that define prediabetes, and who should be screened.

Signs of Prediabetes You Might Notice

• Feeling thirstier than usual
• Urinating more often, including at night
• Tiredness that rest does not fix
• Darkened, velvety skin patches on the neck, armpits, or groin
• Blurred vision that comes and goes

Most people with prediabetes have none of these. Their absence proves nothing.

Blood Test Ranges That Confirm Prediabetes

Test	Normal	Prediabetes	Diabetes
A1C	Below 5.7%	5.7% to 6.4%	6.5% or higher
Fasting blood sugar	Below 100 mg/dL	100 to 125 mg/dL	126 mg/dL or higher

Who Should Get Tested for Prediabetes

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening adults aged 35 to 70 who carry extra weight, repeated every three years. Test sooner if you have a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes, had gestational diabetes, or have high blood pressure. A blood sugar check is a standard part of most annual physicals.

Can Prediabetes Be Reversed

Yes, and the evidence is strong. The Diabetes Prevention Program, a randomized trial cited by the CDC, found that losing 5 to 7 percent of body weight and reaching 150 minutes of activity per week cut the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent. For people aged 60 and older, the reduction reached 71 percent. That beat metformin, which reduced risk by 31 percent in the same trial.

Final Thoughts

Waiting for symptoms is the wrong strategy, because prediabetes rarely produces any. A simple A1C test settles the question in one visit. If you are over 35 and carrying extra weight, talk with one of our providers at Yorktown Health Vernon Hills about checking your blood sugar at your next appointment. If your levels are high, your provider can discuss diabetes management options and next steps with you.