This article features the prediabetes risk calculator that you can use today. It tells you your likelihood of having prediabetes.
Prediabetes accelerates the risk of having many deadly diseases like hypertension, diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes.
Introduction
Prediabetes is a critical warning sign. Your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. It affects millions of people worldwide—many of whom don’t even know they have it.
It is a critical stage. Intervention can prevent or delay the progression to full-blown diabetes. It can also reduce the risk of complications like heart disease, stroke, and nerve damage. The good news? Prediabetes is reversible with the right lifestyle changes.
But how do you know if you have prediabetes?
Below, we’ll discuss the criteria established by reputable diabetes organizations. We will also cover the differences between normal glucose levels, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. Understanding why early detection is so important will also be addressed.
Diagnostic Criteria for Prediabetes
Leading organizations give clear guidelines on how prediabetes is diagnosed.
These organizations include the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).
Blood Sugar Criteria for Prediabetes
Test | Normal (Normoglycemia) | Prediabetes | Type 2 Diabetes |
---|---|---|---|
Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) | <100 mg/dL (<5.6 mmol/L) | 100–125 mg/dL (5.6–6.9 mmol/L) | ≥126 mg/dL (≥7.0 mmol/L) |
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) | <5.7% | 5.7–6.4% | ≥6.5% |
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) – 2 hours | <140 mg/dL (<7.8 mmol/L) | 140–199 mg/dL (7.8–11.0 mmol/L) | ≥200 mg/dL (≥11.1 mmol/L) |
Key Points on Diagnosis
- Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG): Measures blood sugar levels after at least 8 hours of fasting.
- Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): Reflects average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures how your body processes glucose after drinking a high-sugar solution (more sensitive than FBG).
A person is diagnosed with prediabetes if they meet any one of these criteria.
Why Should Prediabetes Be Taken Seriously?
Many people mistakenly think prediabetes is harmless, but in reality, it carries significant risks before diabetes develops.
1. Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
- Without intervention, progression to diabetes occurs in 5–10% of cases annually.
- Up to 70% of individuals with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes in their lifetime.
2. Silent but Dangerous Organ Damage
Even before full diabetes develops, prediabetes can cause:
- Heart and blood vessel damage (increased risk of heart attacks and strokes).
- Nerve damage (neuropathy), leading to tingling, numbness, or pain.
- Kidney stress, increasing the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Eye damage (retinopathy), which can progress to vision loss.
3. Increased Cardiovascular Risk
- Prediabetes doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to those with normal glucose levels. Cardiovascular diseases include strokes, heart attacks, hypertension, and diseases of the aorta.
- Insulin resistance and chronic inflammation accelerate arterial stiffness, atherosclerosis, and high blood pressure.
4. Early Detection = Opportunity for Reversal
The good news? Prediabetes can be reversed with diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Studies like the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) show that:
- Losing 5–10% of body weight can reduce diabetes risk by 58%.
- Regular physical activity (150+ minutes/week) improves insulin sensitivity.
- Reducing refined carbs and sugars stabilizes blood sugar levels.
Who Should Get Screened for Prediabetes?
According to the ADA and CDC, testing for prediabetes is recommended for:
- Adults ≥35 years old (regardless of symptoms).
- Anyone overweight or obese (BMI ≥25 or ≥23 for Asians).
- Use our BMI Calculator.
- People with a family history of diabetes.
- Those with a sedentary lifestyle.
- Individuals with high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels.
- Women with a history of gestational diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
If you have any of these risk factors, getting tested early can help prevent diabetes before it starts.

Prediabetes Risk Calculator: Find Out Your Risk Today
Now that you understand what prediabetes is and why early detection matters, you might be wondering—am I at risk?
Blood tests are the best way to diagnose prediabetes. This article includes a screening test.
The Prediabetes Risk Calculator takes into account key risk factors, including:
- Age – The risk increases with age, particularly after 35.
- Sex – Men and women have different predispositions based on metabolism and hormones.
- Blood Pressure – High blood pressure is closely linked to insulin resistance.
- Physical Activity – Sedentary lifestyles raise diabetes risk.
- Family History – Do you have a father, mother, sister, or brother with diabetes? It increases genetic susceptibility.
- Height & Weight (BMI) – Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, is a major risk factor.
- Use our BMI Calculator.
By entering your information, you’ll get a personalized risk score. This score can help you know whether you should get tested for prediabetes. (Don’t worry. We don’t keep your information.)
How to Use:
- Select preferred units. (Imperial or Metric)
- Answer all questions
- Click “Calculate Risk”
- Use “Reset” to start over
- Switch units at any time
Prediabetes Risk Test
This tool is based on CDC’s prediabetes screening test. Consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
Important Notes:
- This is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument
- Actual diagnosis requires blood tests
- Scoring based on the CDC’s published criteria.
Key Takeaways
🔹 Prediabetes is a warning sign that your body is becoming resistant to insulin. This increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
🔹 Diagnosis is based on blood sugar tests like FBG, HbA1c, and OGTT.
🔹 Without intervention, up to 70% of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes.
🔹 Early detection allows for reversal through weight loss, exercise, and dietary changes.
🔹 Screening is essential for high-risk individuals to prevent long-term complications.
Take Action: Get Checked for Prediabetes Today!
If your risk score suggests moderate to high risk, you should take action. If you have any of the risk factors mentioned earlier, don’t wait—schedule a blood sugar test with your doctor.
Prediabetes is reversible when caught early, but if left unchecked, it can progress to type 2 diabetes.
Take control of your health now—knowing your risk is the first step to preventing diabetes!

What You Can Do Today
- Talk to your doctor and get blood tests if you are at risk. (Fasting Blood Sugar, HbA1c, 2-Hour PPG)
- Move more—aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days.
- Reduce sugar and refined carbs in your diet.
- Keep a healthy weight and manage stress.
You can take control of your health by making small but powerful changes. You can prevent type 2 diabetes before it starts.
Invite your friends and family to take the test. Share this article.
Don’t Get Sick!
Stay current by subscribing. Feel free to share and like.
Follow me on Truth Social, Gab, Twitter (X), Facebook, Follow, and Telegram.
If you find value in this website, please consider buying a coffee to show your support.
More health calculators:
- Unlock Your Fat-Burning Zone: Calculate Your Target Heart Rate Now!
- Body Fat Calculator: A Simple and Affordable Way to Measure Body Fat
- Obesity Warning: Waist-Hip Ratio Predicts Heart Disease And Diabetes Risk!
- Free BMI Calculator: Unlock Your Body’s Health Code Now
- Unlock Victory: Master Calorie Counter for Your Body’s Win
- AUDIT C Screening: The Simple Test That Can Save Your Life!
- Heart Attack Warning? Use This ASCVD Risk Calculator Now!
- Discover Your Cardiac Age with This Free Calculator
- Heart Attack Risk? Use This Framingham Risk Calculator And Lower It Now!
References:
- American Diabetes Association. “Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2025.” Diabetes Care, vol. 47, no. 1, 2024, pp. S1-S230.
- World Health Organization. “Definition and Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus and Intermediate Hyperglycemia.” WHO, 2006.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Prediabetes: Your Chance to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes.” CDC.gov, 2023, https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/prediabetes.html.
- Gamston CE, Kirby AN, Hansen RA, Redden DT, Whitley HP, Hanson C, Lloyd KB. Comparison of 3 risk factor-based screening tools for the identification of prediabetes. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). 2020 May-Jun;60(3):481-484. doi: 10.1016/j.japh.2019.11.015. Epub 2019 Dec 27. PMID: 31889653; PMCID: PMC7269817.
- The CDC Prediabetes Risk Test
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you suspect you have prediabetes, consult a healthcare provider for proper screening and guidance.
© 2018 – 2025 Asclepiades Medicine, LLC. All Rights Reserved
DrJesseSantiano.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.