Diabetes & Stoffwechsel
Prediabetes means that blood sugar levels are already elevated, but not yet within the range of diabetes. If detected early, your personal risk can be targeted and effectively managed.
5 min.
✨ Key Information at a Glance
Prediabetes indicates an increased risk of diabetes, but not yet manifest diabetes.
Indications can include a fasting blood glucose of 100–125 mg/dl, an HbA1c of 5.7–6.4%, or a 2-hour value in the oGTT of 140–199 mg/dl.
Prediabetes frequently causes no symptoms and is therefore often detected during a preventive medical examination or a routine blood test.
Physical activity, a balanced diet, and – if required – sustainable weight reduction can significantly influence the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
In cases of prediabetes, blood glucose and other cardiovascular risk factors should be monitored regularly.
What does prediabetes mean?
Blood sugar levels are already above the normal range, but do not yet meet the criteria for diabetes. The term encompasses several changes in glucose metabolism and is always assessed in overall context.
Does it inevitably turn into diabetes?
No. Prediabetes indicates an increased risk – not an unavoidable diabetes. Early lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce the risk.
What can I do myself?
The foundation is a long-term lifestyle modification:
Physical activity: as a guideline, about 30 minutes on five days per week, supplemented by muscle-strengthening training.
Nutrition: long-term suitable, with plenty of vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts; there is no single "diabetes diet".
Weight: in case of overweight, a sustainable reduction of about 5–10% can make a significant contribution.
Is medication necessary?
Not automatically. The basis is lifestyle measures; whether additional pharmacological prevention is useful depends on individual risk and the overall situation.
How often should it be monitored?
In cases of known prediabetes, an annual follow-up (Kontrolle) is generally recommended; depending on the situation, also earlier. In addition to blood sugar, blood pressure and blood lipids should also be kept in view.
🧭 What are the next steps?
1
Understand medical report
2
assess personal risk
3
establish individual goals
4
Monitor progress
5
if necessary, plan therapy together
👵 In advanced age
Treatment goals and therapies are individually tailored to your personal situation.
Concomitant diseases
Medications
Mobility
Memory / Cognition
Self-employment (Selbstständigkeit)
Therapeutic safety
Therefore, in older age, different treatment goals may be appropriate than for younger individuals.
Source: Austrian Diabetes Society — Geriatric Aspects of Diabetes Mellitus (2026 Update)
Children & Adolescents
For the diagnosis of diabetes, the same threshold values generally apply as for adults.
However, clarification, care, and therapy must be carried out in an age-appropriate and family-friendly manner.
In the case of abnormal values, a pediatric or pediatric-diabetological evaluation is recommended.
Source: Austrian Diabetes Association (Österreichische Diabetes Gesellschaft) — Diabetes Mellitus in Childhood and Adolescence (Update 2026)
bluthochdruck-verstehen
⚠️ When should I consult a General Practitioner?
Please have this medically clarified if:
blood sugar levels are repeatedly elevated,
an abnormal glucose tolerance test is present,
additional risks such as overweight, high blood pressure, or elevated blood lipids exist,
there is a history of gestational diabetes,
symptoms such as severe thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, or fatigue occur.
A single laboratory value should always be assessed within the overall medical context.
💡 Take-home Message
Prediabetes is a warning sign – not an inevitable path to diabetes. Early identified risks can be targeted and effectively managed.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. med. Shahzada Amir, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Sources
Austrian Diabetes Society (Österreichische Diabetes Gesellschaft)
Diabetes mellitus – Definition, classification, diagnosis, screening, and prevention, update 2026
Austrian Health Portal (Österreichisches Gesundheitsportal)
Diabetes: Diagnosis
Austrian Health Portal (Österreichisches Gesundheitsportal)
Diabetes mellitus type 2
Austrian Diabetes Society (Österreichische Diabetes Gesellschaft)
Geriatric aspects of diabetes mellitus (Update 2026)
Austrian Diabetes Society (Österreichische Diabetes Gesellschaft)
Diabetes mellitus in childhood and adolescence (Update 2026)
Medical Advice
The information on this website is intended for general guidance only and does not replace an individual medical consultation, examination, or diagnosis. In the event of symptoms or health-related questions, please consult your physician.