CDC says more than 2 in 5 US adults have prediabetes and that there are usually no signs. Three blood tests are the only way to know.

Ageless Coach Editorial Team · September 3, 2026

In 30 Seconds

No symptoms is the normal case. CDC says there are usually no signs when you have prediabetes. Mayo Clinic says it does not usually have any signs or symptoms. CDC

Six risk factors, one short list. CDC says anyone can develop prediabetes, and lists six things that raise the odds: family history, age over 45, overweight or obesity, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain racial and ethnic backgrounds. CDC

Three tests, three cutoffs. NIDDK says prediabetes is an A1C of 5.7 to 6.4 percent, a fasting plasma glucose of 100 to 125 mg/dL, or an oral glucose tolerance result of 140 to 199 mg/dL. NIDDK

Prediabetes has six common risk factors and three blood tests that confirm it, and almost no symptoms at all.

Insulin stops working as well as it should, so glucose builds up in the blood. The level sits above normal but below the line that would be called type 2 diabetes.

Below are the six risk factors, the three tests with their exact numbers, and the one visible sign worth knowing.

The Risk Factors · 6

Six things that raise the odds, one short list

CDC says anyone can develop prediabetes at any age, then lists six things that raise the risk.

Four of the six are outside your control. That is the point of the list. It tells you when to get tested, not what you did wrong.

A family history of type 2 diabetes. CDC lists it first. It is not a verdict, but it moves you into the group that should be tested rather than the group that can wait.
Being over age 45. Risk climbs with age. NIDDK notes the share of US adults with prediabetes has not changed in the last 15 years, so age keeps mattering.
Having overweight or obesity. CDC lists it plainly. NIDDK ties the same picture to insulin resistance, where the body stops responding to insulin as it should.
Having had gestational diabetes. Diabetes during pregnancy. It resolves, but it leaves a raised long term risk that CDC counts here.
Having high blood pressure. Prediabetes travels with other metabolic problems. NIDDK says blood fat levels may also rise, so cholesterol and triglyceride tests often come along.
Being Hispanic or Latino, Black, Asian American or Native American. CDC names these groups directly. It changes the testing threshold, not the treatment.

97.6 million

NIDDK says that in 2021, about 97.6 million people in the United States aged 18 and older had prediabetes.

Source: NIDDK

CDC frames the scale differently and gets to the same place. About 115 million US adults have prediabetes, more than 2 in 5.

One risk factor is enough to justify a test. You do not need to collect several.

The Tests · 3

Three blood tests, and the numbers that define it

NIDDK names three tests and gives a range for each one.

The A1C test shows your average blood glucose over the past three months. Prediabetes is 5.7 to 6.4 percent.

A blood glucose meter lying on a pink surface surrounded by scattered sugar cubes — NIDDK says prediabetes is an A1C between 5.7 and 6.4 percent.

The fasting plasma glucose test shows your level at the moment of the test. Prediabetes is 100 to 125 mg/dL.

The oral glucose tolerance test puts prediabetes at 140 to 199 mg/dL. NIDDK says it is used less often because it takes longer and costs more.

One caution worth carrying. NIDDK says that in people with certain health conditions, the A1C test may miss prediabetes.

Prediabetes doesn't usually have any signs or symptoms.

Mayo Clinic

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The One Sign

The only visible clue, and where to look

Mayo Clinic says prediabetes usually has no signs or symptoms, then names one possible exception: darkened skin on certain parts of the body.

The areas are the neck, the armpits and the groin.

A doctor in a white coat talking with a patient across a desk — CDC says to ask about a blood sugar test if any of the six risk factors apply to you.

5.7% to 6.4%

NIDDK says you have prediabetes if your A1C result falls between 5.7 and 6.4 percent. The A1C test reflects average blood glucose over about three months.

Source: NIDDK

Mayo lists a second set of symptoms and is careful about what they mean. Increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, numbness or tingling in the feet or hands, frequent infections, slow healing sores and unintended weight loss.

Those are the classic signs that you have moved from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes. They are not early warnings.

Which is the whole argument for testing on risk rather than on symptoms.

✗

Sorted

Three prediabetes beliefs that do not hold

Three ideas delay a test or waste the time after one, and each has a published answer.

Prediabetes always becomes diabetes. NIDDK says people with prediabetes may be more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but not everyone does. Mayo says progression is not inevitable.

You would feel it if you had it. CDC says there are usually no signs. Mayo says the same. The classic symptoms people watch for are signs the line has already been crossed.

It takes a special diet. NIDDK puts four ordinary things first: eating healthy foods and drinks, being physically active, managing your weight, and getting enough sleep. Mayo names the same shape of change.

📋Your Coach's Recommendations

Count your risk factors before your symptoms.

CDC lists six: family history, age over 45, overweight or obesity, past gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain racial and ethnic backgrounds. One is enough to justify asking for a test.

Ask for the A1C by name, and ask what the number was.

NIDDK says prediabetes is an A1C of 5.7 to 6.4 percent. A result inside that band is the finding. Ask for the figure rather than the word normal.

Start with the four basics NIDDK names.

Eating healthy foods and drinks, being physically active, managing your weight, and getting enough sleep. NIDDK says small changes first, and that planning and tracking help.

To your health,

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Age Strong. Live Long.

Trusted Sources Behind This Article

CDC NIDDK Mayo Clinic

This article is education, not medical advice. Mayo Clinic says to see a health care provider if you are concerned about diabetes or notice any type 2 diabetes signs or symptoms, and to ask about blood sugar screening. Ageless Coach is an affiliate partner and may earn a commission on purchases made through links on this page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have prediabetes?

You get a blood test. CDC says there are usually no signs, and Mayo Clinic says prediabetes does not usually have any symptoms. NIDDK names three tests: A1C, fasting plasma glucose and the oral glucose tolerance test.

What A1C number counts as prediabetes?

NIDDK says an A1C result between 5.7 and 6.4 percent means prediabetes. Below that is normal range and above it moves into type 2 diabetes territory.

Can prediabetes be reversed?

NIDDK titles its guidance around preventing or reversing insulin resistance and prediabetes, and Mayo says progression to type 2 diabetes is not inevitable. Both point to the same everyday changes rather than a special protocol.

Should I get tested if I feel fine?

That is the usual case. CDC says there are usually no signs, so testing is triggered by risk factors rather than symptoms. If any of the six apply to you, ask.

Is darkened skin really a sign?

Mayo Clinic names it as one possible sign of prediabetes and says the affected areas can include the neck, armpits and groin. It is the exception, not the rule.

What does the prevention program actually do?

CDC says its recognised lifestyle change program pairs you with a trained coach, teaches eating and activity changes in small steps, and covers stress, motivation and problem solving to keep the changes going.

Wondering where you stand overall? Take the free 5-minute Healthspan Snapshot and see your strongest and weakest of six dimensions.

Prediabetes: 6 Risk Factors to Check, and the 3 Tests That Confirm It

Six things that raise the odds, one short list

Three blood tests, and the numbers that define it

Take the six risk factors with you

Enter your email to unlock your plan

Your plan is ready

The only visible clue, and where to look

Three prediabetes beliefs that do not hold

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Coach's Plan

Prediabetes: 6 Risk Factors to Check, and the 3 Tests That Confirm It

Six things that raise the odds, one short list

Three blood tests, and the numbers that define it

Take the six risk factors with you

Enter your email to unlock your plan

Your plan is ready

The only visible clue, and where to look

Three prediabetes beliefs that do not hold

Frequently Asked Questions

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