Pre-diabetes is a phase that often precedes the development of type 2 diabetes. Both diabetes and pre-diabetes are diagnosed based on laboratory test results. The most traditional test is known as fasting plasma glucose (sugar) (FPG). It is usually measured in the morning after fasting for 8 to 10 hours.

In young and middle-age adults it is extremely important to know if someone has pre-diabetes, as it not only implies a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but it also frequently occurs with conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, and elevated fats in the blood (like cholesterol and triglycerides), all of which increase the risk for cardiovascular disease.

Following general lifestyle recommendations such as eating healthy and engaging in regular physical activity is beneficial for you. In fact, healthy lifestyle changes were very successful in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes in people 65 and older in the Diabetes Prevention Program. Having a healthy lifestyle as an older adult provides many additional health benefits to the body and mind.