What is Pre-Diabetes (Non-Diabetic Hyperglycaemia)?
Pre-diabetes (also known as Non-Diabetic Hyperglycaemia) means your blood sugar is higher than normal, but not high enough to be called diabetes.
An HbA1c result of 42 to 47 mmol/mol means you are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The good news is that healthy lifestyle changes can often improve this and reduce your risk.
HbA1c is a blood test that shows your average blood sugar level over the last 2 to 3 months.
A result of 42 to 47 mmol/mol means you are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
It does not mean you have diabetes, and many people can bring their levels down with simple lifestyle changes.
Small changes can make a big difference, including:
- eating a healthy, balanced diet
- being more physically active
- losing weight if needed
- cutting down on sugary foods and drinks
- making changes that you can stick to long term
If you have pre-diabetes, we can refer you to the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.
This is a free programme that helps people reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
It offers support with:
- healthy eating
- weight management
- physical activity
- making lifestyle changes that last
For more information visit: The National Diabetes Prevention Programme
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Although blood sugar levels usually return to normal after your baby is born, having gestational diabetes increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future.
If you have previously had gestational diabetes, it is important that you continue to have a diabetes blood test every 12 months at the practice. This helps us identify any early changes in your blood sugar levels and support you to stay healthy. NHS guidance recommends ongoing annual testing after pregnancy.
Reducing your future risk
There are things you can do to help reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a balanced diet
- Keeping physically active
- Attending regular health checks and blood tests
Free NHS Support – Self-Refer to the Healthier You Programme
If you have had gestational diabetes, you can self-refer to the free NHS Healthier You Diabetes Prevention Programme without needing a GP referral. The programme offers support with:
- Healthy eating
- Weight management
- Physical activity
- Lifestyle changes to reduce your diabetes risk
People with a history of gestational diabetes can self-refer at any time after diagnosis.
You can self-refer here: Gestational Diabetes | Healthier You | Diabetes Prevention
After you have been diagnosed with Pre-Diabetes, we will usually repeat your blood test after 3 months to see whether lifestyle changes have made an improvement.
After this, you will be called once a year for a repeat blood test and review.
Please contact the practice if you:
- have symptoms such as increased thirst, passing urine more often or feeling very tired
- would like support with diet, weight or exercise
- have not heard about your repeat blood test or annual review
Find trusted advice and support to help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
NHS information about pre-diabetes, blood sugar levels and reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/type-2-diabetes/
Trusted information on healthy eating, weight, exercise and lowering your risk of diabetes:
What is prediabetes | Diabetes UK