Prediabetes: what your results mean and what you can do
Prediabetes means your blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet at the diabetes level: an A1C of 5.7% to 6.4% or a fasting blood sugar of 100 to 125 mg/dL. It rarely causes symptoms. With achievable changes in weight, eating and activity, it can be reversed, preventing or delaying type 2 diabetes.
Can we help by telehealth? Yes, we can help by telehealth.
Is this an emergency?
This is not an emergency service. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- Great thirst, peeing a lot and unexplained weight loss, with vomiting or fast breathing
- Confusion or extreme drowsiness
- Chest pain, shortness of breath or weakness on one side of the body
Help lines:
- 911 — Emergencies
- 1-800-981-0023 — Línea PAS (mental-health crisis line)
- 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- 1-800-222-1222 — Poison Help
How prediabetes is diagnosed
Prediabetes is found with blood tests. These are the ranges:
- A1C: normal, below 5.7%; prediabetes, 5.7% to 6.4%; diabetes, 6.5% or above.
- Fasting blood sugar: normal, 99 mg/dL or below; prediabetes, 100 to 125 mg/dL; diabetes, 126 mg/dL or above.
- Glucose tolerance test (at 2 hours): normal, 139 mg/dL or below; prediabetes, 140 to 199 mg/dL; diabetes, 200 mg/dL or above.
Does prediabetes cause symptoms?
Usually not. The CDC estimates that about 115 million US adults (more than 2 in 5) have prediabetes, and 8 in 10 of them do not know it. Testing is the only way to find out, especially if you are overweight, have a family history of diabetes or had diabetes during a pregnancy.
Why prediabetes matters in Puerto Rico
In 2021, 14.4% of adults in Puerto Rico had diagnosed diabetes, the highest of any US state or territory, according to the CDC. Catching prediabetes early is the chance to stay out of that number. If you already have diabetes, see type 2 diabetes.
Changes that lower your risk
The CDC says losing around 5% to 7% of your body weight and getting at least 150 minutes a week of brisk walking or similar activity help prevent type 2 diabetes. For a 200-pound person, that is 10 to 14 pounds.
In the National Diabetes Prevention Program, a CDC-recognized lifestyle change program, people with prediabetes lowered their risk of type 2 diabetes by 58% (71% for people over 60).
- Move more: for example, a 30-minute brisk walk, 5 days a week.
- Eat more vegetables, whole fruit and whole grains, and fewer sugary drinks.
- Sleep well and do not smoke.
Prediabetes follow-up by telehealth
If you are physically in Puerto Rico, in a US$79 online doctor visit the doctor can explain your results, give you a lab order to repeat your A1C (at no extra charge), work out a realistic eating and activity plan, and check other risks such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
If appropriate, the doctor can prescribe medication. We do not prescribe controlled substances. See also what we don't do by telehealth.
Prediabetes in children and teens
If your child has been told they have high blood sugar or prediabetes, the evaluation and plan should be done with a pediatric specialist. Family habits (eating together, moving together, fewer sodas) help everyone.
Video visit: US$79 · Pay by card · See the price and what is included
Before you book
- You must be physically in Puerto Rico during the visit (visitors and tourists are welcome).
- We see patients from 6 months old. Patients under 21: a parent or legal guardian must be on camera for the whole visit.
- Real-time video only; we do not do phone-call visits.
- We do not prescribe controlled substances.
Frequently asked questions
- Can prediabetes be reversed?
- Yes. The CDC says prediabetes can be reversed with achievable changes, such as losing a small amount of weight, eating healthier and being more active, which prevents or delays type 2 diabetes.
- What A1C level is prediabetes?
- An A1C of 5.7% to 6.4%. Below 5.7% is normal, and 6.5% or above indicates diabetes.
- How often should I repeat the test?
- It depends on your results and your risks. The doctor will tell you when to repeat it and can give you the lab order.
- Do I need medication for prediabetes?
- Lifestyle change is almost always the first step. Some people at higher risk may need medication; the doctor will assess whether that applies to you.
Sources
- CDC: Preventing type 2 diabetes (accessed 2026-09-30)
- CDC: Prediabetes, preventing type 2 diabetes (accessed 2026-09-30)
- NIDDK (NIH): Diabetes tests and diagnosis (accessed 2026-09-30)
- CDC, Preventing Chronic Disease 24_0221: prevalence of diagnosed diabetes by state and territory, 2021 (accessed 2026-09-30)