Yes, some people with prediabetes can return their blood glucose levels to the normal range. You can lower your blood sugar by changing your sleep cycle, how active you stay and what you eat. Your stress levels and your weight also play an important role in helping bring blood glucose back towards the normal range.
Returning your blood glucose to the normal range does not mean your future risk of type 2 diabetes has disappeared. Maintaining healthy habits and regular follow-up can help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
So, what should you do after an abnormal blood glucose or HbA1c result? First, check what the result means. An additional test may be required, or adjustments to your habits and diet may be needed. Your GP will be able to help you to decide what works best for you.
What Is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes means your blood sugar is higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It happens when insulin becomes less effective at helping your body manage blood sugar. This is known as insulin resistance.
The pancreas produces insulin, which helps move glucose from the bloodstream into your cells, where it can be used for energy. When your body becomes resistant to insulin, your cells don’t respond to it as well as they should. As a result, more glucose stays in the bloodstream, causing your blood sugar levels to rise.
In Australia, a fasting blood glucose level of 6.1–6.9 mmol/L is considered impaired fasting glucose, which indicates an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. A fasting blood glucose level of 7.0 mmol/L or higher is in the diabetes range and requires medical assessment. Different tests, including HbA1c and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), use different diagnostic ranges. For a broader explanation of how blood glucose results are interpreted, see our guide to blood sugar levels in diabetes.
Keeping the body within a healthy weight range can help improve insulin response and maintain healthier blood sugar levels. Healthy eating and physical activity can also help improve blood glucose levels for people with prediabetes and lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
What Are Prediabetes Symptoms?
Most people are not aware that they have prediabetes because it does not usually cause noticeable signs or symptoms. It is often discovered through a routine blood test when a person feels unwell.
The following symptoms are more commonly associated with higher blood sugar levels and diabetes rather than prediabetes itself:
- Fatigue or feeling unusually tired
- Blurred vision
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Increased hunger
If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may want to learn more about the early signs of type 2 diabetes and when testing may be appropriate.
Can Prediabetes Be Reversed?
Some people with prediabetes can return their blood glucose levels to the normal range. This is sometimes described as reversing prediabetes. This can occur when you make adjustments that help keep your blood glucose more under control. Studies have shown that adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as losing weight (if needed), can increase the likelihood of restoring normal blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
However, there is no single solution for everyone. Changes that will help you will depend on several factors, including your initial blood sugar level, weight, activity level, age, other health conditions, and overall health.
What Can Help Reverse Prediabetes?
There’s no need to reorganise your entire life following results of prediabetes. Take small steps that you will be able to maintain.
These may include:
Making changes to what you eat: Increase the amount of vegetables, wholegrains and other high fibre foods in your diet; select a good protein food source; and reduce foods and drinks that are highly processed and contain added sugar.
Staying physically active: Regular physical activity can help improve blood glucose. You don’t necessarily need an intensive exercise regime; your GP can help you decide what is appropriate for your health and fitness level.
There is no single “prediabetes diet” that everyone needs to follow. Your GP can help you decide what’s appropriate for your health and situation.
Managing your weight if needed: If you are above a healthy weight, losing some weight can improve blood glucose and lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. But weight loss is not something everyone with prediabetes needs to focus on.
Keeping the changes going: A few weeks of strict changes followed by going back to old habits is unlikely to have the same benefit as changes you can live with long term.
Prediabetes Treatment
f you are diagnosed with prediabetes, treatment usually focuses on the same healthy lifestyle changes recommended to help prevent type 2 diabetes. For most people, this includes regular physical activity, healthy eating and, if needed, losing weight.
Depending on your blood glucose results and individual risk, management may also include regular follow-up testing and structured lifestyle or diabetes prevention programs where appropriate.
Diabetes Australia also provides information about type 2 diabetes prevention programs available across Australia, which can provide additional support with lifestyle changes.
People with prediabetes also have a higher risk of heart disease. That’s why managing other risk factors, including blood pressure, blood cholesterol and triglycerides, is an important part of looking after your health.
How Long Does It Take To Reverse Prediabetes?
There is no fixed amount of time in which prediabetes has to be reversed. For some, their blood sugar may improve after making changes; for others, more time may be required. It also depends on which blood test you use.
For instance, HbA1c provides a general overview of your blood sugar levels over the last several months. If you have just begun a diet or exercise program, you may not see the full effect of the change in your next HbA1c test.
Only your GP can check whether your blood sugar has improved or not.
How Long Until Prediabetes Becomes Diabetes?
There is no fixed timeline for prediabetes to progress to type 2 diabetes. Some people remain in the prediabetes range for years, while others progress more quickly. The risk depends on factors such as blood glucose levels, weight, family history, physical activity and other health conditions.
This is why follow-up testing and sustainable lifestyle changes are important rather than assuming that prediabetes will automatically become diabetes.
What Should You Do After An Abnormal Blood Glucose Result?
1. Talk To Your GP About The Result
Take the result to your GP and ask them to explain it. They can compare your current result with your previous tests, medical history, and other risk factors. They can also tell you whether you need another test, whether you can start making changes, and whether you should check your blood sugar again later.
2. Check What Your Blood Test Result Means
Several tests can show whether you have prediabetes, including:
- a fasting blood glucose test
- an HbA1c test
- an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
These tests use different ranges, so you cannot compare the numbers as though they mean the same thing. For example, an HbA1c of 6.0–6.4% (42–46 mmol/mol) falls within the Australian prediabetes range, while a fasting blood glucose of 6.1–6.9 mmol/L is also considered prediabetes.
If you need help understanding an abnormal blood glucose or HbA1c result, you can discuss your results and next steps with an online GP consultation.
3. Ask If You Need Another Test
You may need another blood test depending on your result. Your GP may recommend further testing, including an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), particularly if your result is close to or above the diabetes range.
It is also worth remembering that one blood glucose reading at home is not enough to diagnose yourself with prediabetes or diabetes.
4. Look at your overall risk
Your blood sugar result is only part of the picture. Your GP may also ask about:
- Family history
- Age
- Weight and waist measurement
- Blood pressure
- Physical activity
- Previous gestational diabetes
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Previous blood glucose results
5. Work Out What Happens Next
Once you know what your result means, you can make a plan. Your GP can help you decide which changes would be useful, whether you need another test, and when to check your blood sugar again.
You don’t need to figure all of this out from one blood test. The important thing is knowing what the result means and what you need to do next.
How Often Should You Retest For Prediabetes?
If you have prediabetes, annual follow-up is commonly recommended in Australia.
Healthdirect advises repeating diabetes screening every 12 months for people diagnosed with prediabetes. RACGP guidance also recommends annual screening for people with impaired glucose metabolism.
Your GP may recommend testing sooner depending on your blood sugar result, risk factors and medical history. If your result is close to the diabetes range, for example, you may need earlier checks.
When Should You Speak To Your GP?
Talk to your GP if:
- You have received an abnormal blood glucose or HbA1c result
- You have been told you have prediabetes but don’t understand what the result means
- You don’t know whether you need another blood test
- You’re unsure when you should retest
- Your blood sugar is still high despite making changes
- Your follow-up result is getting closer to the diabetes range
- You develop symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, unusual tiredness or blurred vision
Your GP can help you understand your result, decide whether you need further testing, and work out what you should do next. If you’d prefer to speak with a GP from home, HelloGP offers online GP consultations across Australia, so you can discuss your blood glucose results and next steps without travelling to a clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does prediabetes go away?
Prediabetes can improve and blood glucose can return to the normal range for some people. However, the risk factors may remain, so regular checks and sustainable lifestyle changes are still important.
Can you reverse prediabetes naturally?
Does Prediabetes Always Turn Into Diabetes?
No. Prediabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but it does not mean you will necessarily develop diabetes. The rate of progression varies between individuals and depends on factors such as blood glucose levels, weight, family history, and other health risks.
What Should I do after a Prediabetes Diagnosis?
What happens if prediabetes is left untreated?
Prediabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and is also associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Regular monitoring and appropriate lifestyle changes can help reduce these risks.
What HbA1c Level Is Considered Prediabetes In Australia?
Diabetes Australia currently lists an HbA1c of 6.0–6.4% (42–46 mmol/mol) as indicative of prediabetes. Your GP can explain what your result means and whether you need to repeat it.
Can prediabetes go back to normal without medication?
Some people can return their blood glucose to the normal range through lifestyle changes without medication. Whether medication is appropriate depends on your individual risk factors, blood glucose results and overall health.
What foods should I avoid with prediabetes?
There is no single list of foods that everyone with prediabetes must avoid. Limiting highly processed foods and drinks with added sugars, while choosing more vegetables, wholegrains, high-fibre foods and suitable protein sources, can support healthier blood glucose levels.
Can exercise reverse prediabetes?
Regular physical activity can improve how your body responds to insulin and help manage blood glucose levels. The type and amount of activity that is appropriate can vary depending on your health, fitness level and other medical conditions.
Can prediabetes cause weight gain?
Prediabetes itself does not necessarily cause weight gain, but insulin resistance and factors such as diet, physical activity and other health conditions can be associated with changes in weight. Your GP can help assess your individual risk factors.
What should I do if my HbA1c is in the prediabetes range?
Speak with your GP about what the result means for you. Depending on your result and risk factors, they may recommend lifestyle changes, further testing or follow-up blood glucose monitoring.
Can stress affect prediabetes?
Stress can affect blood glucose levels, particularly when it is ongoing and affects sleep, eating habits or physical activity. Managing stress as part of an overall healthy lifestyle may support better blood glucose management.
Can you have prediabetes with normal blood sugar sometimes?
Yes. Blood glucose can vary depending on when and how it is measured. A diagnosis or assessment of prediabetes is based on recognised blood tests and their results rather than a single home blood glucose reading.
Conclusion
Some people can return their blood glucose to the normal range after developing prediabetes. If you have had an abnormal blood glucose or HbA1c measurement, it isn’t necessary that you will have type 2 diabetes.
First, understand your test results. If you need another test your GP can help you decide when to retest your blood sugar again. The sooner you know the results, the better steps you can take.
HelloGP - Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. Telehealth is not suitable for emergencies. If you have an emergency or are at immediate risk, call 000 or visit your nearest emergency department.