Prediabetes – Symptoms and Preventive Measures

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Prediabetes is an early stage of type 2 diabetes where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetic range. The condition often develops without symptoms but increases the risk of heart disease, nerve problems, and falls due to impaired balance.

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An Early Stage of Type 2 Diabetes

Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are elevated but not high enough to meet the criteria for diabetes. It’s an important warning sign that the body is developing insulin resistance — meaning cells no longer respond properly to insulin.

Prediabetes most often affects adults over 40, but younger people can also develop it, particularly those with a sedentary lifestyle, excess weight, or a family history of diabetes. According to the Swedish Public Health Agency, more than half a million Swedes are estimated to have prediabetes without knowing it.

Symptoms of Prediabetes

Prediabetes rarely causes noticeable symptoms, which means many people are unaware until it progresses to type 2 diabetes. Some may experience:

• Increased thirst or a dry mouth

• Mild fatigue after meals

• Slower wound healing

• Frequent urination

• Blurred vision or concentration problems

Because these signs can be subtle, blood sugar testing is recommended for individuals with risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, or a family history of diabetes.

Risk Factors for Developing Prediabetes

Several lifestyle and health-related factors can increase the risk of prediabetes:

• Overweight, especially abdominal fat

• Physical inactivity

• Diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates

• High blood pressure or cholesterol

• Smoking

• Family history of type 2 diabetes

The good news is that with the right lifestyle changes, it’s often possible to reverse prediabetes and return blood sugar levels to normal.

How Prediabetes Increases the Risk of Falls

Even though prediabetes is not full diabetes, prolonged elevated blood sugar can affect the body in similar ways. It can lead to:

1. Early nerve damage (neuropathy)
   Mildly elevated glucose levels can begin to damage nerves, especially in the feet, reducing sensation and balance.

2. Reduced muscle strength
   Insulin resistance affects how cells use energy, which can cause fatigue and weakness, particularly in the legs.

3. Dehydration and blood pressure fluctuations
   Early hyperglycemia may increase urination and cause slight dehydration, which in turn can lead to dizziness or light-headedness.

These effects mean that people with prediabetes — particularly older adults — may have a slightly higher risk of falls, making early detection especially important.

Preventive Measures

The positive news is that prediabetes can often be stopped — or even reversed. Small, consistent lifestyle changes can make a big difference:

By focusing on both blood sugar management and balance, individuals with prediabetes can greatly reduce complications and live a healthier, more active life.

Safety alarm with automatic fall alarm can increase safety for people with an increased risk of falling

Sensorem’s personal alarm is an example of a technical aid specially developed for people who have an increased risk of falling. The personal alarm can automatically trigger the alarm in the event of a fall and then call relatives using the watch’s built-in speakerphone with two-way communication. The personal alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s position on a map in the Sensorem app.