Prediabetes can quietly develop over many years, which is why regular doctor visits and blood sugar checks are essential. An interview referenced by KP.RU highlights insights from Polina Fukalyak, an endocrinologist at the Pirogov Higher Medical Technologies Clinic affiliated with St. Petersburg State University.
Prediabetes is defined as a state where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to meet the criteria for diabetes. Fukalyak notes that certain groups should be especially mindful. People who carry extra weight, have hypertension, or have a family history of diabetes are at increased risk. In many instances, prediabetes does not produce noticeable symptoms, though some individuals may experience increased fatigue or slower wound healing. Still, the lack of symptoms means many people remain unaware of their condition.
The doctor emphasizes that the danger of prediabetes lies in its stealth. It can stay without symptoms for years, and that delay can prevent people from normalizing their carbohydrate metabolism. A common question she hears is why one should monitor glucose if there are no noticeable problems, and the answer is that early detection can prevent progression to diabetes.
Diagnosing prediabetes typically involves a fasting blood sugar test, and in some cases a glucose tolerance test may be advised to assess how the body handles sugar after a standard meal. Early identification allows for timely lifestyle adjustments that can restore healthier glucose regulation.
Lowering sugar intake is one element of management, but the broader takeaway is that dietary choices, physical activity, and regular monitoring work together to rebalance metabolism. By understanding personal risk factors and staying proactive with testing, individuals can improve their chances of preventing full diabetes, even if symptoms have not appeared yet. Physicians often encourage patients to adopt sustainable changes rather than drastic, short-term diets, recognizing the long-term benefits of steady habits.