The onset of type 1 diabetes is rapid, and once it is diagnosed, there are no grey areas – you have diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, with close monitoring of people at high- risk, it is possible to diagnose a condition known as pre-diabetes.

This means the person’s blood sugars are higher than they should be but are not considered high enough to warrant a diagnosis of diabetes.

When a person is diagnosed with pre-diabetes, there is no set period until they are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. With careful monitoring, a healthy eating plan, and physical exercise, the onset of diabetes can be delayed for months, years, or even forever.

Once a doctor determines that a patient is pre-diabetic, an annual blood test will be ordered to ensure blood glucose levels remain healthy. The doctor will probably request that a monitor be purchased and blood sugars are monitored semi-regularly at home.

Many risk factors are associated with pre-diabetes. They include:

* Being overweight or obese
* No physical activity
* Having had gestational diabetes
* If you are over the age of 45
* If members of your family have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes

Having the above risk factors makes you more likely to be diagnosed, but it does not mean it will happen. If you know that you are at risk, take your health into your own hands and work to create a healthier lifestyle so you can prevent pre-diabetes and the onset of type 2 diabetes.

If you have any questions about doing this, please ask your doctor for suggestions. They will probably recommend starting an easy exercise routine to get you active and help you lose weight.