Does Prediabetes Always Lead to Diabetes?

How many people with prediabetes get type 2 diabetes?

Recent figures on how often prediabetes develops into T2D aren’t clear.

While 1 in 3 people live with prediabetes, the condition itself is a bit controversial as not all medical professionals agree on diagnosis criteria.

Data from the American Diabetes Association in the mid-2000s is one of the most recent publicized estimates, saying that 70% of people with prediabetes may go on to develop T2D within their lifetime.

But much has changed since then, including the prevalence of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) that Medicare uses and dramatically lowers the chances of developing T2D for those most at risk.

Who is most at risk for type 2 diabetes?

Prediabetes is a major risk factor for T2D. Others may include:

• having overweight or obesity
• being 35 or older, with an increasing risk as you get older
• having a family history of diabetes
• being African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic, Latino, or Pacific Islander
• having a more sedentary lifestyle, including those who may sit for long periods of time
• having a history of gestational diabetes during pregnancy

Other possible risk factors may involve sleeping habits, stress levels, and broader mental health issues that affect your life.

Learn more about type 2 diabetes risk factors.

What can I do to prevent type 2 diabetes?

You can take these steps to help lower your risk of developing T2D and even reverse prediabetes.

• Physical activity: Get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity to help lower the risk of T2D. This may involve activities like brisk walking throughout the week or 30 minutes a day for 5 days.
• Weight management: Obesity may not directly lead to T2D, but it is linked to developing diabetes. You can discuss weight goals with your care team and develop a plan, including food choices, physical activity, or weight loss medications. Reducing body weight by 7% or more for certain people may help lower the risk of developing diabetes.
• Eating habits: Your food and drink choices can contribute to prediabetes progressing to T2D. There isn’t a universal recommendation on a type of diet or eating style that fits everyone, but your healthcare team and dieticians or nutritionists can help guide you on food choices. You may limit added and refined sugars and eat more lean protein, such as fish and chicken. Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can also be beneficial.
• Better sleep: Poor sleep quality also greatly raises the risk for T2D. Some older research even suggests that people who go to bed late and get up later may have a 2.5-fold higher odds of developing T2D than those who go to bed early and wake up earlier.
• Mental health: Ensuring you’re minding your mental health can also be important. Research has shown that people with higher depressive and anxious symptoms along with prediabetes may face a higher likelihood of getting T2D.

The takeaway

Prediabetes raises your risk of developing T2D at some point in your life. But it does not mean you will absolutely get diabetes down the road.

You can change your eating habits, physical activity, weight management, and overall health to help lower your risk of developing T2D.

Your healthcare team can also help advise you on healthy lifestyle changes that can affect your prediabetes management and chances of getting diabetes later in your life.