Hidden diabetes, medically known as prediabetes, is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with full-blown diabetes. It's essentially a warning sign that your body isn't using insulin effectively.
At this stage, two main abnormalities can be observed:
- Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG): Fasting blood sugar levels ranging from 100 mg/dL to 125 mg/dL.
- Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT): Blood sugar levels 2 hours after glucose intake ranging from 140 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL.
Both conditions indicate reduced insulin effectiveness and the onset of insulin resistance. Medically, this state answers the question, “What is prediabetes?” If left untreated, it carries a risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes within 5 to 10 years.
What Are the Hidden Sugar Risks?
Hidden diabetes is not just a stage of elevated blood sugar; it is also when blood vessels begin to sustain damage. The most serious risks at this stage include:
- Type 2 Diabetes: The main and inevitable risk is that prediabetes may progress into Type 2 diabetes.
- Cardiovascular Diseases: High blood sugar damages blood vessel walls, significantly increasing the risk of stroke and heart attack.
- Nerve and Eye Damage: Even before the disease progresses, damage to nerves and the small blood vessels in the eyes can begin.
How to Detect Prediabetes Early?
Laboratory analysis results play a key role in detecting prediabetes. Everyone, especially those at risk (over 45 years old, overweight, or with a family history of diabetes), should undergo regular analysis.
These analyses are as follows:
1. HbA1c Analysis
The HbA1c test (Glycated Hemoglobin) is considered the gold standard for detecting prediabetes. This test reflects the average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months. Unlike daily blood sugar tests, it is not affected by food intake, meaning fasting is not required.
The interpretation of the analysis results is as follows:
Condition | HbA1c (%) Value | Explanation |
Normal (Sugar Level) | < 5.7% | Healthy interval. |
Hidden Sugar (Prediabetes) | 5.7% – 6.4% | Risk zone. Urgent lifestyle changes are required. |
Diabetes | > 6.5% | Diagnosis of diabetes. |
2. Blood Sugar Analysis and Its Normal Range
Even though blood sugar analysis is usually performed in a fasting state (FPG), other tests are also important for a complete diagnosis. To maintain normal blood sugar levels, this test should be conducted regularly.
- Normal Fasting Blood Sugar: 70 mg/dl – 99 mg/dl.
- Hidden Sugar (Prediabetes): 100 mg/dl – 125 mg/dl
- Diabetes: > 126 mg/dl
Remember, high lab test results are an important signal that you are at risk.
What are the Hidden Diabetes Symptoms?
Since prediabetes develops silently over the years, people often feel completely healthy. However, some symptoms of prediabetes may indicate a tendency toward diabetes:
- Persistent Fatigue: Since glucose cannot enter the cells to provide energy, a person may feel constant weakness.
- Excessive Thirst and Frequent Urination: The body tries to eliminate excess sugar through urine, leading to dehydration and increased thirst.
- Craving for Sweet Foods (Prediabetes): The body senses a glucose deficiency, which can trigger a strong desire for sweets.
- Darkened Skin Areas: Darkening of the skin folds on the back of the neck, underarms, and elbows (Acanthosis Nigricans).
If you notice any of these symptoms, do not delay - get a blood test and consult your doctor to analyse the results.
Prediabetes is a serious warning sign. However, with timely analysis and healthy eating habits, it is possible to prevent its progression to Type 2 diabetes. Regularly monitor your laboratory analysis results through check-up packages, know your last 3 months’ results with the HbA1c test, and take steps to always keep your blood sugar within the normal range. Stay healthy with Saglam Aile!