Prediabetes is often called a “silent” condition — but your body usually gives warning signals long before type 2 diabetes develops.

More than 1 in 3 adults may have prediabetes, and many don’t know it. The good news? Prediabetes is reversible when caught early.

Understanding the early signs can help you take action before blood sugar levels rise into the diabetic range.

Here are 12 early signs of prediabetes you should never ignore.

1. Increased Thirst (Polydipsia)

If you constantly feel thirsty—even after drinking water—it may be your body trying to flush out excess glucose from your bloodstream.

High blood sugar pulls fluids from tissues, leading to persistent thirst.

2. Frequent Urination

When blood sugar rises, your kidneys work harder to remove excess glucose.

This can cause:

• Frequent urination

• Waking up multiple times at night

• Larger urine volume

If you notice a sudden change in urination patterns, get checked.

3. Unexplained Fatigue

Glucose is your body’s main energy source. When insulin resistance develops, cells can’t absorb glucose efficiently—leading to fatigue.

Persistent tiredness without obvious cause may signal metabolic imbalance.

4. Increased Hunger (Polyphagia)

If you feel hungry shortly after eating, insulin resistance may be preventing proper glucose utilization.

This can cause:

• Strong carb cravings

• Overeating

• Energy crashes

5. Darkened Skin Patches (Acanthosis Nigricans)

One of the most visible early signs of insulin resistance is dark, velvety skin around:

• Neck

• Armpits

• Groin

• Elbows

This is strongly linked to elevated insulin levels.

6. Blurred Vision

High blood sugar can cause fluid shifts in the eye lenses, leading to temporary blurred vision.

If your vision fluctuates without explanation, blood sugar testing is important.

7. Slow Healing Wounds

Elevated glucose impairs circulation and immune response.

If small cuts or bruises take longer than usual to heal, this may indicate prediabetes.

8. Tingling or Numbness in Hands and Feet

High blood sugar can begin damaging nerves early.

Symptoms may include:

• Pins-and-needles sensation

• Burning feeling

• Numbness

Early nerve changes can occur before full diabetes develops.

9. Weight Gain Around the Abdomen

Excess belly fat is strongly associated with insulin resistance.

Visceral fat (fat around organs) increases the risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

10. Mood Changes and Irritability

Blood sugar fluctuations can affect brain function.

You may notice:

• Irritability

• Anxiety

• Difficulty concentrating

• Mood swings

Stable glucose = stable mood.

11. Recurring Infections

High glucose levels create an environment where bacteria and fungi thrive.

Common infections:

• UTIs

• Yeast infections

• Skin infections

Frequent infections may indicate underlying blood sugar issues.

12. Elevated Blood Sugar on Routine Labs

Sometimes prediabetes has no obvious symptoms.

It’s detected through:

• Fasting blood glucose

• Hemoglobin A1c

• Oral glucose tolerance test

Many people only discover prediabetes during annual checkups.

What Causes Prediabetes?

Prediabetes develops due to insulin resistance, where cells stop responding effectively to insulin.

Major risk factors include:

• Overweight or obesity

• Family history of diabetes

• Sedentary lifestyle

• High blood pressure

• PCOS

• Age over 35

• Poor diet high in refined carbs

Can Prediabetes Be Reversed?

Yes — and that’s the most important message.

With lifestyle changes, many people return blood sugar levels to normal.

Effective strategies include:

• Losing 5–10% of body weight

• Exercising 30 minutes daily

• Reducing refined carbohydrates

• Increasing fiber intake

• Prioritizing sleep

• Managing stress

Early action prevents progression to type 2 diabetes.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you notice multiple symptoms or have risk factors, testing is simple and quick.

You should get screened if:

• You are overweight

• You have high blood pressure

• You have family history of diabetes

• You are over age 35

• You had gestational diabetes

Early diagnosis prevents complications like heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve problems.

Final Thoughts

Prediabetes doesn’t happen overnight.

Your body sends signals long before diabetes develops. Increased thirst, fatigue, dark skin patches, and abdominal weight gain are not random—they’re metabolic warning signs.

The earlier you act, the easier it is to reverse.

If you recognize these 12 early signs of prediabetes, don’t ignore them. A simple blood test could protect your long-term health.

Many people live with prediabetes without knowing it. A simple blood test can provide clarity. At Passion Health Primary Care, we focus on early detection, prevention, and long-term wellness — because your health deserves proactive care.

Author : Dr. Vellaiappan Somasundaram …………… About