Pre-diabetes is an intermediate state between normal glucose tolerance and overt type 2 diabetes. In general people with pre-diabetes have abnormal blood glucose, but not high enough to be diagnosed as having diabetes. Pre-diabetes is a dynamic state, some may revert back to normal while others may progress to develop type 2 diabetes. It is estimated that half of people with pre-diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes in 5 years without any intervention.
Diabetes Prevention Program: Progression from pre-diabetes to type 2 diabetes in patients receiving weight loss intervention (lifestyle), metformin, and no intervention (click on image to zoom).
Treatment for pre-diabetes is aimed at preventing its progression to type 2 diabetes. The most well-studied treatment for pre-diabetes involves weight loss via diet and exercise, as well as using metformin. An effective weight loss program can reduce the progression from pre-diabetes to type 2 diabetes by 50%. However, if weight loss is difficult to achieve even with the best effort, treatment with metformin is worth considering.
Once diagnosed, a person with pre-diabetes needs to be tested every year to monitor for their progression to type 2 diabetes.