PATIENT EDUCATION
Prediabetes
Prediabetes means blood glucose is above the healthy range but not yet in the diabetes range. It often causes no symptoms, making screening and early risk reduction especially important.
Select a topic below to view more information.
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Abnormal Glucose or HbA1c on a Routine Test
What you'll notice or feel
- A blood test shows glucose or HbA1c above the normal range.
- Usually no obvious symptoms.
- The result may have been found during a health check or pre-operative assessment.
- Sometimes previous results were borderline.
Common causes
- Insulin resistance developing over time.
- Genetic susceptibility combined with weight, activity, sleep and age.
- Some medicines or illnesses can temporarily affect glucose.
What it could be
- Prediabetes requiring confirmation and follow-up.
- Early Type 2 diabetes if values are in the diabetes range.
- A temporary abnormality if the test was taken during acute illness.
Initial self-care
- Arrange appropriate repeat or confirmatory testing.
- Start with realistic nutrition and activity changes.
- Avoid assuming one abnormal result automatically means diabetes.
- Bring previous glucose results for comparison.
When to see a doctor urgently
- Prediabetes alone is not usually an emergency.
- Seek urgent care if there are severe hyperglycaemia symptoms such as vomiting, confusion or marked dehydration.
When to see a doctor
- A result has been reported as prediabetes.
- Values are rising over time.
- You have other metabolic risks such as high blood pressure or fatty liver.
Strong Family History or High Diabetes Risk
What you'll notice or feel
- A parent or sibling has Type 2 diabetes.
- You have had gestational diabetes or a large-for-gestational-age baby.
- There is central weight gain or reduced physical activity.
- Blood pressure, cholesterol or fatty liver are also abnormal.
Common causes
- Genetics and shared environmental factors.
- Insulin resistance associated with excess visceral fat.
- PMOS, sleep apnoea and some medicines can increase risk.
What it could be
- Higher future risk of Type 2 diabetes even before glucose becomes abnormal.
- Prediabetes if screening is already borderline.
Initial self-care
- Arrange periodic glucose screening based on your risk profile.
- Maintain regular physical activity and a balanced eating pattern.
- Aim for sustainable weight reduction if overweight.
- Address sleep, smoking and cardiovascular risk factors too.
When to see a doctor urgently
- No urgent care is needed for risk factors alone.
- Urgent assessment is needed if classic diabetes symptoms become severe or rapidly progressive.
When to see a doctor
- You have multiple risk factors.
- You have never been screened despite a strong family history.
- You want an individual prevention plan.
Increasing Waist Size or Weight
What you'll notice or feel
- Gradual increase in waist circumference.
- Weight gain over months or years.
- Reduced fitness or activity.
- Often no glucose-related symptoms.
Common causes
- Insulin resistance is strongly linked with excess visceral fat.
- Sleep loss, stress and reduced activity may contribute.
- Some medicines and endocrine conditions can affect weight.
What it could be
- Prediabetes as part of broader metabolic risk.
- Obesity requiring structured treatment.
- Another cause of weight change if the pattern is unusual.
Initial self-care
- Focus on a sustainable calorie deficit if appropriate rather than crash dieting.
- Increase activity gradually and safely.
- Prioritise sleep and regular meal patterns.
- Track waist or weight at sensible intervals.
When to see a doctor urgently
- Rapid unexplained weight change with severe illness needs assessment.
- Chest pain, stroke-like symptoms or severe breathlessness require emergency care.
When to see a doctor
- Weight is increasing alongside glucose, blood pressure or cholesterol.
- Lifestyle efforts are not producing durable change.
- You would like to discuss evidence-based weight management.
Previous Gestational Diabetes or PMOS
What you'll notice or feel
- History of high glucose during pregnancy.
- PMOS with irregular periods or insulin resistance.
- Glucose returned to normal after pregnancy but risk remains higher.
- Family history may add further risk.
Common causes
- Pregnancy can reveal underlying insulin resistance.
- PMOS is associated with increased metabolic risk.
- Weight gain and ageing can further increase risk over time.
What it could be
- Prediabetes developing after gestational diabetes.
- Increased future Type 2 diabetes risk even when current glucose is normal.
Initial self-care
- Continue periodic glucose screening after pregnancy.
- Aim for healthy weight and regular activity before future pregnancies.
- Manage PMOS and other metabolic risk factors.
- Keep previous pregnancy glucose records if available.
When to see a doctor urgently
- Very high glucose symptoms during a future pregnancy need prompt assessment.
- Pregnancy with known diabetes or significant hyperglycaemia needs coordinated care.
When to see a doctor
- Screening is overdue after gestational diabetes.
- You are planning another pregnancy.
- PMOS is accompanied by weight gain or abnormal glucose.
Preventing Progression to Type 2 Diabetes
What you'll notice or feel
- You have been told you are “borderline diabetic”.
- Glucose is slowly rising over serial tests.
- You want to know what changes are most effective.
- There may be no symptoms at all.
Common causes
- Progression reflects worsening insulin resistance and gradual loss of pancreatic beta-cell reserve.
- Risk is influenced by weight, activity, sleep, family history and age.
What it could be
- Prediabetes that may remain stable, improve or progress depending on risk factors.
- Early diabetes if diagnostic thresholds are crossed.
Initial self-care
- Use structured nutrition and physical-activity goals.
- If overweight, even modest sustained weight reduction can improve metabolic health.
- Treat blood pressure, cholesterol and sleep apnoea where present.
- Medication may be considered for selected high-risk individuals after clinical review.
When to see a doctor urgently
- Prediabetes itself does not cause a sudden emergency.
- Seek urgent care if severe hyperglycaemia symptoms occur.
When to see a doctor
- You want a personalised prevention plan.
- Glucose is rising despite lifestyle measures.
- You have multiple risk factors or previous gestational diabetes.
YOUR CONSULTATION
What to Expect at Your Visit
- Review of family history, weight trajectory, pregnancy history, PMOS and medicines.
- Confirmation of glucose status using appropriate laboratory testing.
- Assessment of blood pressure, weight/waist and other cardiometabolic risk factors.
- Discussion of diet, physical activity, sleep and practical barriers to change.
- Medication is considered only when appropriate for the individual risk profile.
- A repeat-testing interval is agreed so progression or improvement can be tracked.
* IMPORTANT: A Note Before You Go
Prediabetes is an opportunity for prevention. Many people have no symptoms, so risk-factor control and planned follow-up are more useful than waiting for symptoms to appear.
This page provides general educational information and cannot replace an individual medical assessment. If symptoms are persistent, worsening or concerning, arrange appropriate medical review.
NEED AN ASSESSMENT?
Arrange an Endocrinology Consultation
For non-emergency assessment or follow-up, appointments are booked through the hospital’s central appointment desk on 0422 432 4433. For severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, seek urgent medical care rather than waiting for a routine appointment.