Can obesity cause prediabetes?

Insulin helps move glucose from the bloodstream into cells. With insulin resistance, the body may need to produce more insulin to achieve that job, and blood glucose can gradually rise. Prediabetes means glucose is above the usual range but not in the diabetes range; it often causes no clear symptoms. Weight around the abdomen, low activity, family history, previous diabetes during pregnancy, poor sleep and some medicines can all influence risk. A prediabetes result is a signal for follow-up, not a diagnosis of diabetes.

Ask a clinician which glucose test was used and when it should be repeated. Discuss activity that fits your joints and fitness, meals with more fibre and minimally processed foods, sleep routines and support for gradual weight management. Do not skip meals or make abrupt dietary changes if you take glucose-lowering medicine without checking first. A clinician can also review blood pressure, cholesterol and medicines that may affect glucose.

Arrange a review for persistent thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight change, blurred vision or unusual tiredness. Seek urgent help for vomiting with severe weakness, confusion, deep or rapid breathing, or inability to keep fluids down. These symptoms can signal a more serious glucose problem and should not wait for routine monitoring.

Which result indicates prediabetes for me, and what follow-up do I need? What activity and meal changes suit my health? Should I be checked for blood pressure, cholesterol or sleep apnoea? How will we know whether my glucose is improving?