Prediabetes, often referred to as borderline diabetes, is a condition in which your blood sugar level is higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. At this stage, the risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes is very high. The challenge is that prediabetes rarely shows clear symptoms—most of them are subtle and can easily be mistaken for general health issues.

A normal fasting blood glucose level should be below 100 mg/dL. If it falls between 100–125 mg/dL, it indicates prediabetes. This stage is critical and requires extra care to avoid future complications. How well you manage your prediabetic stage will determine how effectively you can prevent diabetes. Think of it as a wake-up call to take charge of your health.

Unfortunately, no single symptom is specific enough to confirm prediabetes. But when several appear together, they can act as warning signs. That’s why regular blood sugar checkups are essential for early diagnosis. Left unaddressed, prediabetes can lead to serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.

Here are some common symptoms linked with prediabetes:

# Increased Thirst

Feeling unusually thirsty may be a sign of borderline diabetes. However, since dehydration can also cause this, it’s important to consider other symptoms alongside.

# Frequent Urination

Needing to urinate more often—and passing larger amounts of urine—can indicate insulin resistance and may be an early sign of type 2 diabetes.

# Blurry Vision

If your vision suddenly becomes hazy or objects appear out of focus, it could be due to fluctuations in blood sugar, a common issue in prediabetes.

# Gum Infections or Inflammation

A weakened immune system during prediabetes can make you more prone to gum infections. Without proper care, this condition may worsen.

# Dark Skin Patches

Certain areas of the skin—especially the neck, armpits, elbows, knees, or knuckles—may develop dark, velvety patches. This condition is known as acanthosis nigricans and is often linked to insulin resistance.

# Unexplained Weight Loss

When your body cannot use glucose for energy, it starts breaking down fat stores instead. This can cause noticeable and sudden weight loss.

# Slow-Healing Wounds

Poor circulation and a weakened immune system in prediabetes slow down the healing process of cuts and wounds. If wounds take unusually long to heal, seek medical advice.

# Extreme Fatigue

Even though glucose is present in your bloodstream, insulin resistance prevents your body from using it properly for energy. This often results in constant tiredness or fatigue.