Common Signs You Didn’t Know Indicated Prediabetes
Prediabetes is one of those things that can sneak up on you. You might feel fine, but behind the scenes, your blood sugar is creeping higher than it should be. The tricky part is that many people don’t even know they have it. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 3 American adults are prediabetic, and most of them have no idea.
So how do you know if you might be one of them? While the only way to know for sure is a blood test, there are a few common warning signs your body might be giving you.
1. You’re always thirsty and running to the bathroom a lot
If you’re constantly reaching for water and heading to the bathroom more than usual, your blood sugar could be playing a role. When sugar builds up in your blood, your kidneys try to flush it out through urine. That leads to more trips to the bathroom, which can leave you dehydrated and even more thirsty. It’s a frustrating cycle.
2. You feel tired even when you’ve slept
Everyone feels tired sometimes, but if you’re constantly dragging through the day, it could be more than just poor sleep. High blood sugar can mess with how your body uses energy, making you feel sluggish no matter how much rest you get. If you’re exhausted all the time and can’t pinpoint why, it’s worth checking out.
3. You’re gaining weight, especially around your belly
Weight gain, particularly in the abdominal area, is a big red flag. Visceral fat, the kind that wraps around your organs, is strongly linked to insulin resistance, which is a major factor in prediabetes. If you’ve noticed your waistline growing even without major changes in diet or activity, it could be a sign your body is having trouble managing blood sugar.
4. Your skin is showing unusual signs
Dark patches of skin, especially around your neck, armpits, or elbows, can be a sign of insulin resistance. This condition, called acanthosis nigricans, often shows up before blood sugar levels become dangerously high. It’s not harmful on its own, but it can be an early warning signal.
What should you do if any of this sounds familiar?
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, or if you have a family history of diabetes, are overweight, or live a mostly sedentary lifestyle, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. A simple blood test like the A1C or fasting glucose can tell you if you’re in the prediabetic range.
The good news is that prediabetes is reversible. With some changes in diet, movement, and lifestyle, many people can bring their blood sugar back to a healthy level. The key is catching it early and doing something about it before it becomes full-blown diabetes.
Your body might already be dropping hints. Don’t ignore them. A little awareness now can make a big difference later.
