What is the Difference Between Prediabetes and Diabetes

The key difference between prediabetes and diabetes is that prediabetes is a health condition characterized by a steady rise in blood sugar level that is not yet enough to be classified as diabetes, while diabetes is a health condition characterized by an elevated blood sugar level as a result of a reduced cell reaction to the insulin hormone.

Prediabetes and diabetes are two health conditions related to insulin, which is the natural hormone in the human body that helps to transfer glucose molecules into the cells and out of the blood. Once these glucose molecules enter the cell, they can be used for energy synthesis. When the body is unable to make enough insulin, or it stops functioning properly, the blood sugar levels in the body tend to rise more than the normal level.

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Prediabetes
3. What is Diabetes
4. Similarities – Prediabetes and Diabetes
5. Prediabetes vs Diabetes in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Prediabetes vs Diabetes

What is Prediabetes?

In prediabetes, people have a higher-than-normal blood sugar level but not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes. Therefore, without lifestyle changes, adults and children with prediabetes are at higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes. The prediabetes condition does not usually have any signs or symptoms. However, a possible sign of prediabetes is darkened skin on certain parts of the body. The affected areas are normally included the neck, armpits, and groin. Other symptoms may include feeling a lot thirstier, urinating a lot, blurry vision, and feeling tired a lot more than usual. Prediabetes occurs when the body starts to become resistant to the insulin hormone.

Prediabetes and Diabetes - Side by Side Comparison

Figure 01: Prediabetes

Prediabetes condition can be diagnosed through medical history, a standard blood glucose test, A1C or hbA1c test (glycated haemoglobin test), and oral glucose tolerance test. Furthermore, the treatment options for prediabetes include lifestyle choices such as eating healthy food, being more active, losing excess weight, stopping smoking, and taking medications as needed (metformin and other medications to control high cholesterol and high blood pressure).

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a health condition characterized by an elevated blood sugar level as a result of a reduced cell reaction to insulin. It is also known as diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is of two types: type 1 and 2. Type 1 diabetes develops when the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes develops when cells become resistant to insulin hormone, which is normally due to genetic and environmental factors. The symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, frequent hunger, unexplained weight loss, presence of ketones in urine, fatigue, irritability, blurred vision, slow healing sores, and frequent infections such as infection in gums and skin.

Figure 02: Diabetes

Diabetes can be diagnosed through medical history, physical examination, glycated haemoglobin test (A1C), random blood sugar test, fasting blood sugar test, oral glucose tolerance test, initial glucose challenge test, and follow-up glucose tolerance test. Furthermore, treatments for diabetes include healthy eating, physical activity, insulin therapy, oral or other medications (metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors), and transplantation (pancreas transplantation).

What are the Similarities Between Prediabetes and Diabetes?

Prediabetes and diabetes are two health conditions related to the insulin hormone.
Both conditions may share some similar symptoms.
They can be diagnosed through laboratory testing.
Both conditions may be treated through lifestyle choices and medications.

What is the Difference Between Prediabetes and Diabetes?

Prediabetes is a health condition that is characterized by a steady rise in blood sugar level that is not yet enough to be classified as diabetes, while diabetes is a health condition characterized by an elevated blood sugar level as a result of a reduced cell reaction to insulin. This is the key difference between prediabetes and diabetes. Furthermore, a fasting blood sugar level of 100 to 125 mg/dL is an indication of prediabetes, while a fasting blood sugar level 126 mg/dL or higher is an indication of diabetes.

The following table summarizes the difference between prediabetes and diabetes.

Summary – Prediabetes vs Diabetes

Prediabetes and diabetes are two different health conditions that are related to the insulin hormone. Prediabetes is a health condition that is characterized by a steady rise in blood sugar level that is not yet enough to be classified as diabetes. Diabetes is a health condition characterized by an elevated blood sugar level as a result of a reduced cell reaction to insulin. This is the key difference between prediabetes and diabetes.

Reference:

1. “Prediabetes.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 17 Mar. 2022.
2. “What Is Diabetes?” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16 Dec. 2021.