Date: 06 May 2025
Prediabetes is a silent warning. It means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. While prediabetes often shows no clear signs, your body might still be sending subtle signals that something isn’t right.
Understanding the symptoms of prediabetes and taking early action can help you avoid the serious complications of diabetes, including heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney problems.
Prediabetes is a health condition where your blood glucose levels are elevated but not yet high enough to qualify as type 2 diabetes. It's a wake-up call, an opportunity to make lifestyle changes that can reverse the condition and protect your long-term health.
According to health experts, without intervention, up to 70% of people with prediabetes may eventually develop type 2 diabetes. The good news? You can often prevent or delay this progression with simple changes in your daily habits.
Most people with prediabetes may not notice symptoms at all. However, some early signs might include:
If you notice you're drinking more water than usual and making more trips to the bathroom, your body might be struggling to regulate blood sugar levels. Excess glucose in the bloodstream pulls water from tissues, leading to dehydration and increased urination.
Constant fatigue, even after a full night’s rest, can be a red flag. Your body may not be effectively using glucose for energy, leaving you feeling sluggish throughout the day.
High blood sugar can cause the lens of your eye to swell, affecting your ability to see clearly. If your vision changes suddenly or becomes blurry, it’s worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
When blood sugar is consistently elevated, it affects your body’s ability to heal. Small cuts or bruises may take longer to recover, signaling a possible metabolic issue.
This is a tell-tale sign of insulin resistance—darkened, velvety skin patches typically found on the neck, elbows, knuckles, or armpits.
If you're constantly hungry shortly after eating, your body may not be effectively processing glucose. This is a common early sign of insulin resistance, which is often linked to prediabetes.
Nerve damage, called peripheral neuropathy, can begin even during the prediabetic stage. If you feel pins and needles or numbness in your extremities, it’s a sign to check your blood sugar.
Several factors can increase your risk of developing prediabetes:
You can’t rely on symptoms alone to diagnose prediabetes. The only way to confirm is through a blood test, such as:
If your fasting blood glucose level is between 5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L, or your HbA1c is between 5.7% and 6.4%, you are considered prediabetic.
You can easily monitor your blood sugar at home with a reliable glucometer, available at Pharmily.
The best part about prediabetes is that it's reversible with early intervention. Here’s what you can do:
Prediabetes is a critical health warning, not a life sentence. Early detection and consistent management can prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes. Take charge of your health today by shopping all your diabetes care essentials at Pharmily Kenya’s most trusted online pharmacy.
Glucometers and test strips are essential devices for anyone managing diabetes or prediabetes. Together, they help you monitor your blood glucose levels at home quickly and accurately, giving you better control over your health.
Chromium & Cinnamon Supplements are natural aids known to support healthy blood sugar regulation. Chromium enhances insulin sensitivity, helping your body process glucose more effectively. Cinnamon contains antioxidants that may lower fasting blood sugar and improve insulin function, making it a popular supplement for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes management.
Healthy Teas & Wellness Blends are infused with natural herbs like green tea, chamomile, moringa, and ginger, known for their metabolism-boosting and detoxifying properties. These blends help regulate blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and support digestion. Regular consumption can complement a balanced lifestyle, especially for individuals managing prediabetes or aiming for better metabolic health.
Weight Management Products are specially formulated to support healthy weight loss or maintenance by boosting metabolism, controlling appetite, or improving body composition. These products often contain natural ingredients that help the body burn fat more efficiently, regulate blood sugar, and maintain energy levels—important for individuals managing prediabetes or aiming to prevent type 2 diabetes.
Yes, many people with prediabetes have no noticeable symptoms. That’s why regular screening is crucial, especially if you have risk factors like obesity or family history.
They are related. Insulin resistance often leads to prediabetes, but not everyone with insulin resistance will progress to it.
Avoid sugary drinks, processed foods, refined carbs, and excessive saturated fats. Focus on whole, natural foods that don’t cause blood sugar spikes.
Not without intervention. However, with lifestyle changes, prediabetes can be reversed or managed to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.