Am I Prediabetic? Symptoms and Blood Sugar Levels

Is it prediabetes?

Hello Dr.
Lin, sometimes about two hours after lunch, I feel hungry and experience symptoms similar to hypoglycemia (but this does not happen after dinner).
Six months ago, I had a fasting blood glucose test that showed 101 mg/dL, and my blood glucose two hours after a meal was 71 mg/dL.
My hemoglobin A1c was normal, and the doctor said I was in the prediabetes stage.
A few months later, I went to another clinic for fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c tests, and the results were normal, but those symptoms still occasionally occur.
I have a sedentary lifestyle with little exercise, but my weight is normal.
My grandmother has diabetes, but my father does not.
I would like to ask Dr.
Fan if I am considered to be in the prediabetes stage? If my postprandial blood glucose is lower than my preprandial level, could this indicate delayed insulin response? If I am in the prediabetes stage, is it still possible to return to normal? Thank you.

Mr. Li, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/10/19

Dr. Lin Jianliang reply Internal Medicine

A fasting blood glucose level ranging from 100 to 125 mg/dL is classified as impaired fasting glucose (IFG), also known as "early diabetes," latent diabetes, or prediabetes.
At this stage, dietary control and increased physical activity can help manage blood glucose levels.

Reply Date: 2020/10/19

More Info

Based on the information you've provided, it seems you have some concerns about your blood sugar levels and whether you might be prediabetic. Let's break down your situation and clarify some key points regarding prediabetes, blood sugar levels, and the symptoms you are experiencing.

Understanding Prediabetes
Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. The diagnostic criteria for prediabetes include:
- Fasting Blood Sugar: 100 to 125 mg/dL
- 2-Hour Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: 140 to 199 mg/dL
- Hemoglobin A1c: 5.7% to 6.4%
From your previous tests, you mentioned a fasting blood sugar of 101 mg/dL, which falls into the prediabetic range. However, subsequent tests showed normal fasting blood sugar and A1c levels, which is a positive sign.

Symptoms and Their Implications
You mentioned experiencing symptoms like increased hunger and feelings similar to low blood sugar after lunch. These symptoms can sometimes be attributed to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, especially if your meal composition is high in carbohydrates, which can lead to a rapid spike and subsequent drop in blood sugar.
The fact that your post-meal blood sugar was 71 mg/dL two hours after eating indicates that your body is effectively managing blood sugar levels post-meal. However, if you are feeling symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), it might be worth considering the types of foods you are consuming and how they affect your blood sugar levels.

Family History and Lifestyle Factors
Having a family history of diabetes (your grandmother) does increase your risk, but it does not guarantee that you will develop the condition. Your normal weight and the fact that your father does not have diabetes are also positive factors. However, a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to insulin resistance, which is a precursor to diabetes.

Can You Reverse Prediabetes?
Yes, prediabetes can often be reversed with lifestyle changes. Here are some recommendations:
1. Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, including vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Reducing refined carbohydrates and sugars can help stabilize blood sugar levels.

2. Exercise: Incorporating regular physical activity into your routine can improve insulin sensitivity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, along with strength training exercises.

3. Weight Management: If you are overweight, even a modest weight loss of 5-10% can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

4. Regular Monitoring: Continue to monitor your blood sugar levels and have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to track any changes.

Conclusion
Based on your current blood sugar levels and A1c results, it appears that you are not currently in the prediabetic range, especially since your recent tests have shown normal results. However, the symptoms you experience should not be ignored. It may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to discuss your symptoms, dietary habits, and lifestyle. They can help you develop a personalized plan to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and overall well-being.

In summary, while you may have had a period of prediabetes, your recent normal results are encouraging. By making healthy lifestyle choices, you can further reduce your risk of developing diabetes in the future.

Similar Q&A

Am I at Risk for Diabetes or Prediabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Tests

Hello, I would like to ask you about diabetes. Here are my conditions/test results listed below: [Two and a half years ago] Newborn health check showed fasting blood glucose of 75 mg/dL; liver, kidney, and other tests were normal. [One and a half years ago] I started experien...

Dr. Ye Qianyu reply Family Medicine
Hello! Based on the information you provided, there is currently no risk of diabetes, and it is recommended that you follow up in six months. The symptom of dry mouth is quite nonspecific; staying up late and insufficient hydration can both cause dry mouth. It is advisable to ade...

Understanding Prediabetes: Blood Sugar Levels and Common Concerns

Hello Doctor, may I ask: I usually measure my blood sugar, and my typical levels are 88-95 in the morning and 105-115 after meals. However, during the New Year period, I went a long time without eating. On January 1st, my morning readings were 107, 93, and 99, and my post-meal le...

Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, based on the blood glucose records you provided, there is no indication of diabetes. However, further testing at a medical facility is required to confirm prediabetes. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Hypoglycemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps

I experienced excessive thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, and nausea, thinking it might be diabetes. When I went to the hospital for a check-up at 10 AM (after eating bread at 8 AM), my blood sugar level was only 77, and my blood pressure was 124/75. I have not lost any weight. Sh...

Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
If the blood sugar level is 77 without taking antidiabetic medications, diabetes can be ruled out. If symptoms persist, further evaluation for other diseases should be considered.

Understanding Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and When to Medicate

Hello, three years ago during a health check, I was informed that my blood glucose was on the borderline of diabetes, with a fasting blood glucose level of 108 mg/dL after fasting for 8 hours. Now, my self-monitored fasting blood glucose levels range between 103 and 125 mg/dL. Ov...

Dr. Chen Qingbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello Ms. Huang: You likely have early-stage diabetes, and you need to manage your diet, engage in regular exercise, and attend follow-up appointments for monitoring.