What Is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes means your blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes range — impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, or an HbA1c of 5.7%–6.4%. It usually has no obvious symptoms, and many people only discover it during a routine checkup.
The good news: prediabetes is often reversible. Studies show that a healthier diet, regular exercise, and modest weight loss (5%–7%) can dramatically reduce the risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes. The earlier you find it, the better the outcome.
This self-check combines your recent glucose readings (if available), typical symptoms, and common risk factors to give you a preliminary picture of your prediabetes risk. It takes about 3 minutes, and all data is computed locally in your browser.
Assess Your Prediabetes Risk in 3 Minutes
Answer about 10 questions covering recent glucose readings and symptoms to see where you stand.
All data is computed locally in your browser. Nothing is uploaded or stored.
Prediabetes Diagnostic Cutoffs
The table below shows the glucose classification cutoffs published by the ADA and WHO — the same thresholds this self-check uses (mmol/L, with mg/dL in parentheses).
| Metric | Normal | Prediabetes | Diabetes range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) | < 5.6 (100) | 5.6–6.9 (100–125) | ≥ 7.0 (126) |
| 2-hour post-meal glucose (2h PG) | < 7.8 (140) | 7.8–11.0 (140–199) | ≥ 11.1 (200) |
| HbA1c | < 5.7 % | 5.7–6.4 % | ≥ 6.5 % |
Prediabetes FAQ
Prediabetes means blood sugar above normal but below the diabetes threshold: impaired fasting glucose (5.6–6.9 mmol/L), impaired glucose tolerance (2h glucose 7.8–11.0 mmol/L), or HbA1c 5.7%–6.4%. Without intervention, about 5%–10% of people with prediabetes develop type 2 diabetes each year — but with lifestyle changes, most can reverse it or stay stable long term.
Yes. Large trials such as the Da Qing study in China and the US Diabetes Prevention Program showed that diet changes, 150+ minutes of weekly moderate exercise, and 5%–7% weight loss cut the risk of progressing to diabetes by roughly 40%–58%, and some participants returned to normal glucose entirely. The earlier the intervention, the better the odds.
Yes. Prediabetes and early type 2 diabetes are often symptom-free; by the time thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue appear, glucose may have been elevated for years. That is why higher-risk groups (40+, overweight, family history, hypertension, gestational diabetes history) should test regularly even without symptoms.
See a doctor for a fasting glucose, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), or HbA1c to confirm. Neither a single fingerstick reading nor this questionnaire can diagnose diabetes. Meanwhile, start lifestyle changes immediately: eat better, exercise regularly, and lose weight if needed.
Adults 35+ should have a fasting glucose check at their annual physical. People with prediabetes should recheck fasting glucose or HbA1c every 3–6 months. People diagnosed with diabetes follow their doctor’s monitoring plan. At home, test at a consistent time (e.g., morning fasting) and keep records to track trends.
No — it cannot replace medical testing. This tool is built on the ADA/WHO published cutoffs and validated risk-score instruments (e.g., FINDRISC) to help you gauge your risk and decide whether to get tested. Diagnosis must be based on venous blood tests at a clinic (fasting glucose, OGTT, HbA1c).
This self-check is for informational purposes only and is not a medical diagnosis or treatment advice. Thresholds are based on glucose classification cutoffs published by the ADA and WHO. Consult a healthcare professional with any concerns.