A GP has issued a warning to millions of Britons who may be living with a 'silent' condition without realising it. Research indicates that approximately one in 12 people are affected by prediabetes, a high-risk early stage that often goes unnoticed.
What is prediabetes?
Dr Dominic Greenyer from The Health Suite in Leicester explained that prediabetes is sometimes referred to as a 'grey zone' by doctors. It is a state where blood sugar levels are raised but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. However, unlike many chronic conditions, prediabetes can be reversed with early intervention.
During Diabetes Week, a campaign led by Diabetes UK to fight stigma around the condition, Dr Greenyer emphasised the importance of catching prediabetes early. He stated: 'Prediabetes is a place of heightened risk but with that risk is potential to actually reverse this state. If addressed efficiently and effectively, the body is often able to restore blood sugar regulation back to normal levels.'
The silent danger
Around one in four people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years without intervention. However, those who act early can halt the progression entirely. Most people do not realise they have prediabetes because it often occurs without noticeable symptoms.
'Many people only discover it through routine blood tests,' said Dr Greenyer. While type 2 diabetes presents symptoms such as persistent thirst, excessive urination, blurred vision, and fatigue, prediabetes remains largely 'silent'. 'That's the real danger,' he added. 'People feel absolutely fine. By the time symptoms appear, the window for easy intervention may have already passed.'
Who is at risk?
Individuals with risk factors such as a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or excess weight are encouraged to speak with their doctor. Dr Greenyer advised: 'Ask your GP for an HbA1c test. It's simple and the information it gives you is invaluable.'
Reversing prediabetes
What sets prediabetes apart from many other conditions is that it can usually be reversed with the right support and intervention. Dietary adjustments, increased physical activity, and a weight management plan have all been shown to halt the progression of diabetes and, in many cases, return blood sugar markers to normal levels.
'A prediabetes diagnosis is not necessarily bad news; it can be an opportunity,' said Dr Greenyer. 'It means we've caught something early enough to act on. That's exactly what we want.'
Diabetes UK recommends the following steps to reverse prediabetes:
- Lose weight if you are overweight
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole foods
- Take part in more physical activity
If you have prediabetes or diabetes and are concerned about your health, you should speak to your GP.
