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The Definition of Diabetes and Prediabetes
The term diabetes commonly refers to the condition of diabetes mellitus. Described simply, diabetes is the inability to control your blood glucose (sugar) without making a conscious effort. Characteristics of diabetes mellitus include excessive blood glucose levels, which result from the body's inability to use blood glucose for energy.5
Adults ages 45 and older who are overweight should be checked for prediabetes every three years if their blood glucose levels are in the normal range.6 People with prediabetes should be checked for type 2 diabetes every 1-2 years after diagnosis.7 Note that type 2 diabetes is different from type 1 diabetes. (This publication was developed for professionals who work with older adults who have or are at risk for type 2 diabetes)
Individuals can get checked for type 2 diabetes by asking their doctor or primary care provider for the following tests. The two tests (described in Table 1 below) are reliable and require fasting (nothing to eat or drink except water) the night before.
Prediabetes can be treated, and it is possible to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes in people who have prediabetes. To learn more, see "How Can Diabetes Be Prevented?"
Table 1: Diagnosing Diabetes and Prediabetes8
| Test |
Diabetes |
Prediabetes |
Normal |
Fasting blood glucose level
(also known as fasting plasma glucose, or FPG) |
Blood glucose levels are higher than 126 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) on two occasions |
Blood glucose levels are between 100 and 125 mg/dL |
Blood glucose levels are below 100 mg/dL |
Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
With this test, a person's blood glucose is checked after fasting and again two hours after drinking a glucose-rich drink. |
Diabetes is diagnosed if blood glucose levels are higher than 200 mg/dL after two hours. |
Blood glucose levels are between 140 and 199 mg/dL |
Blood glucose levels are below 140 mg/dL |
5 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases [NIDDK]. (2002) The Diabetes Dictionary. NIH Publication No. 02-3016. Available at NIDDK on the World Wide Web: www.niddk.nih.gov/health/diabetes/pubs/dmdict/dmdict.htm.
6 American Diabetes Association. (2004) "Frequently Asked Questions About Pre-Diabetes." Available at ADA on the World Wide Web: www.diabetes.org/pre-diabetes/faq.jsp.
7 Ibid.
8 American Diabetes Association. (2005) "Clinical Practice Recommendations: Diagnosis and Classification." Diabetes Care 28(S1):S41.
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