Question 1

What is prediabetes?

Accepted Answer

Prediabetes is a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. It is caused by insulin resistance, where cells become less responsive to insulin and the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. The Hemoglobin A1c test is the most important test for diagnosis because it measures average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months.

Question 2

What causes prediabetes?

Accepted Answer

Prediabetes is caused by insulin resistance, where your body's cells become less responsive to insulin and your pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood glucose levels. This happens when excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, causes cells to resist insulin's effects, forcing the pancreas to work harder. Over time, the pancreas struggles to keep up with the increased demand, leading to elevated blood sugar levels that fall into the prediabetic range between 5.7% and 6.4% on an A1c test.

Question 3

What is the best test for prediabetes?

Accepted Answer

The Hemoglobin A1c test is the most important test for prediabetes because it measures your average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months, providing a comprehensive picture of your blood sugar control. An A1c level between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes, while levels of 6.5% or higher suggest type 2 diabetes. The Hemoglobin A1c With eAG Estimation test is also highly valuable because it provides both the A1c percentage and an estimated Average Glucose (eAG) value in mg/dL and mmol/L, making it easier to understand your daily blood sugar patterns. These tests are essential because prediabetes typically has no symptoms, making blood work the only reliable way to catch elevated glucose levels before they progress to full diabetes.

Question 4

When should I get tested for prediabetes?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you are overweight or obese, have a family history of type 2 diabetes, are physically inactive, or are over age 45. Testing is also recommended if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or a history of gestational diabetes. Since prediabetes rarely causes noticeable symptoms, regular screening is crucial for early detection, especially if you have any of these risk factors, allowing you to make lifestyle changes before the condition progresses to type 2 diabetes.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of prediabetes?

Accepted Answer

Prediabetes typically has no noticeable symptoms, which is why blood testing is essential for detection. Some people may experience subtle signs like increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained fatigue, or blurred vision, but these symptoms are often mild and easily overlooked. In some cases, darkened skin patches called acanthosis nigricans may appear on the neck, armpits, or groin. Because prediabetes is usually silent, millions of people have the condition without knowing it, making regular screening important for those with risk factors.

Question 6

Who is at risk for prediabetes?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk for prediabetes include those who are overweight or obese, particularly with excess abdominal fat, adults over age 45, and those with a family history of type 2 diabetes. Other risk factors include physical inactivity, having polycystic ovary syndrome, a history of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, and being of African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander descent. Women who delivered a baby weighing more than 9 pounds are also at increased risk. The more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing prediabetes.

Question 7

What happens if prediabetes is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If prediabetes is left untreated, it will likely progress to type 2 diabetes within 10 years, bringing serious health complications including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, vision problems, and poor wound healing. Even before full diabetes develops, prediabetes increases your risk of cardiovascular disease and can cause damage to blood vessels and organs. The good news is that prediabetes is reversible with lifestyle changes including weight loss, regular exercise, and a healthy diet, making early detection through blood testing critical for preventing progression to diabetes and its life-altering complications.

Question 8

Can prediabetes be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, prediabetes is diagnosed with blood tests that measure glucose levels. The Hemoglobin A1c test is the most common, measuring your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months, with results between 5.7% and 6.4% indicating prediabetes. Other diagnostic tests include the fasting plasma glucose test, where levels between 100-125 mg/dL indicate prediabetes, and the oral glucose tolerance test, where two-hour blood glucose levels between 140-199 mg/dL suggest the condition. Since prediabetes has no symptoms, blood testing is the only reliable way to detect elevated glucose levels early.

Question 9

How is prediabetes treated?

Accepted Answer

Prediabetes is treated primarily through lifestyle modifications including weight loss, regular physical activity, and dietary changes. Losing just 5-7% of your body weight and exercising at least 150 minutes per week can significantly reduce your risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes. A diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats while limiting processed foods and added sugars is recommended. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe metformin, especially if you have a high risk of developing diabetes. Regular monitoring with blood tests helps track your progress and ensures your efforts are effectively lowering your blood glucose levels.

Question 10

How can I prevent prediabetes?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent prediabetes by maintaining a healthy weight through balanced eating and regular physical activity. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling most days of the week. Focus on a diet high in fiber from whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, while limiting refined carbohydrates, sugary drinks, and processed foods. Choose lean proteins and healthy fats, control portion sizes, and stay hydrated with water instead of sugary beverages. If you have risk factors like family history or excess weight, get regular blood sugar screenings to catch any changes early when lifestyle modifications are most effective.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with prediabetes?

Accepted Answer

Natural approaches to managing prediabetes include adding cinnamon to your diet, which may help improve insulin sensitivity, and consuming foods rich in chromium like broccoli, green beans, and whole grains. Apple cider vinegar taken before meals may help lower blood sugar spikes, while increasing fiber intake through beans, oats, and vegetables slows glucose absorption. Herbs like berberine, bitter melon, and fenugreek have shown promise in supporting healthy blood sugar levels. However, these natural remedies should complement, not replace, core lifestyle changes like weight loss, regular exercise, and a healthy diet, and you should consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Prediabetes Blood Test

What is Prediabetes?

What causes prediabetes?

What is the best test for prediabetes?

When should I get tested for prediabetes?

References

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