---
title: "Prediabetes: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | HealthAnswers"
description: "What prediabetes blood results mean, how to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, and when repeat testing is needed."
url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/prediabetes/
robots: noindex
---

# Prediabetes: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | HealthAnswers

Health A–Z

What prediabetes blood results mean, how to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, and when repeat testing is needed.

Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 1 August 2026

## Quick answer

What are prediabetes? Prediabetes means blood glucose is above the usual range but not in the diabetes range. It increases the chance of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but sustainable changes to weight, food and activity can substantially reduce risk. It usually causes no symptoms.

## Who is this page for?

This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Prediabetes, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally.

## Who should skip this page?

Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland.

On this page 3 sections

## Key facts about prediabetes

- In the UK, an HbA1c of 42 to 47 mmol/mol is commonly called non-diabetic hyperglycaemia.
- A single result should be interpreted with medical history and other factors.
- NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme support may be available in England.

## What the result means

Prediabetes is not an inevitable step toward diabetes. HbA1c can be affected by some blood conditions, pregnancy and other factors, so results require context.

## Changes that help

Aim for changes you can sustain: more fibre-rich foods, fewer sugary drinks, regular movement, strength activity and gradual weight loss if recommended. Avoid crash diets.

## Follow-up

Monitoring identifies whether glucose is improving, stable or entering the diabetes range. Blood pressure, cholesterol and smoking are also important cardiovascular risks.

## ! When to see a GP about prediabetes

Arrange follow-up with the clinician who requested the test. Seek prompt assessment for marked thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision or recurrent infections, which can indicate diabetes.

## Common questions about prediabetes

Can prediabetes go back to the normal range? Yes. Weight loss where appropriate, regular activity and dietary changes can return glucose to a lower range, although ongoing monitoring remains important. Do I need medicine for prediabetes? Lifestyle support is usually first-line. Medicine may be considered for some higher-risk people after individual assessment. How often should HbA1c be repeated? Timing depends on the result and your risk factors. The clinician who arranged the test should give a follow-up plan.

## Sources

- [NHS England — Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme](https://www.england.nhs.uk/diabetes/diabetes-prevention/)
- [NICE — Preventing type 2 diabetes](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ph38)