Do I Have Prediabetes Without Knowing It? Why 1 in 3 American Adults Miss the Signs

You feel fine. You go to work, take care of your family, and get through the week without thinking twice about your blood sugar. Yet according to the CDC, one in three U.S. adults has prediabetes, which works out to roughly 98 million people. The more unsettling part is that about 8 in 10 of them are unaware they have it.

Prediabetes is not a diagnosis to panic over, but it is one to take seriously. It is your body’s early warning that blood sugar is creeping in the wrong direction, and it is one of the few health warnings that gives you time to change course.

What Is Prediabetes, and Why Does It Matter?

Prediabetes means your blood glucose is higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. It often develops as the body becomes less responsive to insulin, the hormone that moves sugar out of your bloodstream and into your cells.

The “pre” can make it sound harmless. It isn’t. Without weight loss and moderate physical activity, 15 to 30% of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years. Prediabetes also raises your risk for heart disease and stroke, which is why catching it early protects far more than your blood sugar.

Why Most People With Prediabetes Don’t Know They Have It

Prediabetes Symptoms in Adults Are Often Silent

The main reason so many people miss prediabetes is that it rarely announces itself. As one diabetes specialist at UW Medicine explained in a recent look at why so many adults go undiagnosed, there may be subtle signs, but often there are no symptoms at all, and it can develop at any age.

When signs do appear, they are easy to brush off as stress or a long week. Some people notice more fatigue than usual, increased thirst, or patches of darker skin on the neck or underarms. None of these confirm prediabetes on their own, which is exactly why testing matters more than guessing.

You Can Have Prediabetes at a Normal Weight

Many people assume prediabetes only affects those who are overweight. Weight is a major risk factor, but it isn’t the whole picture. Genetic factors play a role, so people at a normal weight can also develop prediabetes if they have other risk factors. Specialists are also seeing increasingly younger patients, even in their 20s, with prediabetes.

Prediabetes Risk Factors: Who Should Get Tested

Common Risk Factors for Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes

Your risk rises with age, a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, an inactive lifestyle, and carrying extra weight around the midsection. A history of gestational diabetes also raises your risk. Black, Latino, Native American, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander and Asian American people are at higher risk to develop prediabetes, according to the CDC, which makes regular screening especially important for many families here in Memphis.

What Age Should You Start Prediabetes Screening?

Specialists suggest adults begin testing their glucose levels at age 35. If you’re overweight or have other risk factors, your provider may recommend starting sooner. A routine visit like an annual checkup is one of the easiest times to ask for it.

How Prediabetes Is Diagnosed: Understanding Your A1C and Blood Sugar Test Results

There are three recommended blood tests for identifying prediabetes: the A1C, fasting plasma glucose, and the 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. The A1C is the most convenient because it reflects your average blood sugar over the past few months and doesn’t require fasting.

According to the American Medical Association, A1C results of 5.7 to 6.4 percent, fasting glucose levels of 100 to 125, or glucose tolerance levels of 140 to 199 indicate prediabetes.

It also helps to know that these tests don’t always agree. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases notes that someone can have a normal fasting glucose result while their A1C lands in the prediabetes range. Your provider may use more than one test to get a clear answer.

Can Prediabetes Be Reversed? Yes, and Here’s How

This is the encouraging part. Prediabetes is one of the most responsive conditions to everyday lifestyle changes, and you don’t need an extreme diet or an intense workout plan to see results.

How to Reverse Prediabetes Naturally With Small, Steady Changes

The strongest evidence comes from a major clinical study behind the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program. Participants who lost 5 to 7 percent of their body weight (10 to 14 pounds for a person weighing 200 pounds) and reached at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week reduced their risk of type 2 diabetes by 58 percent. For adults over 60, the reduction reached 71%.

In practical terms, that might look like a 30-minute walk five days a week, swapping sugary drinks for water, building meals around vegetables, lean protein, and fiber, and getting consistent sleep. Managing stress matters too, since ongoing stress affects how your body handles blood sugar.

Why Personalized Care Makes Prevention Easier

General advice is a good start, but your plan should fit your health history, your schedule, and your goals. Working with a provider means you can track your numbers, adjust as you go, and address related concerns like blood pressure or cholesterol at the same time. At GoodLife, our diabetes management care supports patients at every stage, from early prevention to long-term blood sugar control.

Take the First Step Toward Knowing Your Numbers

Prediabetes is common, quiet, and very manageable once you know it’s there. A simple blood test can tell you where you stand, and a few steady changes can protect your health for years to come. If it’s been a while since you checked your blood sugar, our team at GoodLife Medical Center would be glad to help you find out where you stand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first signs of prediabetes?

Most people have no noticeable signs. When symptoms do appear, they may include fatigue, increased thirst, or darkened skin on the neck or underarms. A blood test is the only reliable way to know.

What A1C level means prediabetes?

An A1C between 5.7% and 6.4% falls in the prediabetes range. Below 5.7% is considered normal, while 6.5% or higher points to diabetes.

Can prediabetes go away on its own?

It rarely improves without changes. With modest weight loss, regular activity, and healthier eating, many people bring their blood sugar back into the normal range.

How long does it take to reverse prediabetes?

It varies by person, but many people see improvement in their numbers within a few months of consistent lifestyle changes. Your provider can retest to track your progress.

Where can I get a prediabetes test in Memphis?

GoodLife Medical Center offers prediabetes screening, including A1C and fasting glucose testing, at our clinic at 1719 Kirby Parkway, Memphis, TN 38120. You can book an appointment online or call (901) 685-1994.

Does insurance cover prediabetes screening?

Many insurance plans cover diabetes and prediabetes screening, especially for adults with risk factors. Our team can help you check your coverage before your visit.