---
title: "Prediabetes: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | HealthAnswers"
description: "What prediabetes blood results mean, how to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, and when repeat testing is needed."
url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/prediabetes/
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---

# Prediabetes: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | HealthAnswers

Health A–Z

What prediabetes blood results mean, how to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, and when repeat testing is needed.

Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 1 August 2026

## Quick answer

What are prediabetes? Prediabetes means blood glucose is above the usual range but not in the diabetes range. It increases the chance of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but sustainable changes to weight, food and activity can substantially reduce risk. It usually causes no symptoms.

General UK health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency call 999 ; for urgent advice use [NHS 111](https://111.nhs.uk/) (GP out-of-hours in Northern Ireland).

On this page 3 sections

## Key facts about prediabetes

- In the UK, an HbA1c of 42 to 47 mmol/mol is commonly called non-diabetic hyperglycaemia.
- A single result should be interpreted with medical history and other factors.
- NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme support may be available in England.

## What the result means

Prediabetes is not an inevitable step toward diabetes. [HbA1c](https://healthanswers.co.uk/tests/hba1c/) can be affected by some blood conditions, pregnancy and other factors, so results require context.

## Changes that help

Aim for changes you can sustain: more fibre-rich foods, fewer sugary drinks, regular movement, strength activity and gradual weight loss if recommended. Avoid crash diets.

## Follow-up

Monitoring identifies whether glucose is improving, stable or entering the diabetes range. Blood pressure, cholesterol and smoking are also important cardiovascular risks.

## ! When to see a GP about prediabetes

Arrange follow-up with the clinician who requested the test. Seek prompt assessment for marked thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision or recurrent infections, which can indicate diabetes.

## Common questions about prediabetes

Can prediabetes go back to the normal range? Yes. Weight loss where appropriate, regular activity and dietary changes can return glucose to a lower range, although ongoing monitoring remains important. Do I need medicine for prediabetes? Lifestyle support is usually first-line. Medicine may be considered for some higher-risk people after individual assessment. How often should HbA1c be repeated? Timing depends on the result and your risk factors. The clinician who arranged the test should give a follow-up plan.

## Sources

- [NHS England — Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme](https://www.england.nhs.uk/diabetes/diabetes-prevention/)
- [NICE — Preventing type 2 diabetes](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ph38)

## How we reviewed this page

Medically reviewed by the [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/)

First published 1 August 2026 Medically reviewed 1 August 2026 Next review due 1 August 2029 or sooner if NHS or NICE guidance changes

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