Merville C. Marshall, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.E Responds:

Merville C. Marshall Jr., MD, FACP, FACE, founder and president of the Endocrine Institute in White Plains, New York, responds: Prediabetes, a prelude to type 2 diabetes, can be confirmed by determining how much glucose is in the bloodstream. Fasting blood glucose levels from 100 to 126 mg/dL indicate Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG). Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) can also confirm prediabetes after a 2-hour glucose tolerance test results in blood glucose levels between 140 and 200 mg/dL. 

Prediabetes is an early warning sign. It's not only a precursor to type 2 diabetes, but it also can be a predictor of increased risk for heart disease. Be sure to address any risks for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, smoking, or obesity, right away. Fortunately, lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise may help to prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes. A recent review article showed that losing 6 pounds and maintaining it could significantly reduce incidence of diabetes. So, losing even a small amount of weight may help prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes.