How to Tell if You Have Pre-Diabetes

While diabetes and pre-diabetes occur in people of all ages and races, some groups have a higher risk for developing the disease than others. Diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population.  This means they are also at increased risk for developing pre-diabetes.

There are two different tests your doctor can use to determine whether you have pre-diabetes:  the fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) or the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).  The blood glucose levels measured after these tests determine whether you have a normal metabolism, or whether you have pre-diabetes or diabetes.  If your blood glucose level is abnormal following the FPG, you have impaired fasting glucose (IFG); if your blood glucose level is abnormal following the OGTT, you have impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).

The American Diabetes Association Risk Test for Diabetes can help you determine if you are at increased risk for diabetes or pre-diabetes.  A high score may indicate that you have pre-diabetes or at risk for pre-diabetes. Take the test and find out for sure.