What is pre-diabetes?

Pre-diabetes is a term that is used to distinguish people who are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It is potentially the early stage of diabetes. It is a condition which many people have but may not be aware of. People with pre-diabetes are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Pre-diabetes is a condition where the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood becomes higher than normal, although not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes.

In Europe alone, it is estimated that over 60 million people have pre-diabetes. It is thought that the vast majority of these people are unaware of their condition. 

The importance of identifying pre-diabetes is becoming increasingly recognized. It is at this stage that the onset of diabetes can be delayed or even prevented with the correct changes to a currently unhealthy lifestyle.
 
How would I know if I am at risk of pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes?
 
Unfortunately people with pre-diabetes do not have symptoms and so often aren’t diagnosed early enough.
 
To see if you might be at risk of getting pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes, just take a minute to complete the online questionnaire:
 
Might you be at risk of getting pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes?