Pre-Diabetes More Common Than Diabetes
According to findings from an extensive nationwide study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the prevalence of pre-diabetes in India is higher than that of diabetes. While diabetes affects over 11 percent of the population, pre-diabetes impacts more than 15 percent a figure that continues to grow.
Experts explain that fasting glucose levels above 110 mg/dL, post-meal sugar levels exceeding 160 mg/dL, and HbA1c between 5.7 and 6.4 percent indicate pre-diabetes. Though these values fall below the diabetes threshold, they are far from “normal.”
Why Borderline HbA1c Is a Red Flag
HbA1c measures average blood sugar levels over three months. When it creeps above 5.6 percent, it suggests insulin resistance may already be developing. Doctors caution that blood sugar does not spike overnight; it rises gradually, often damaging blood vessels, nerves and organs before visible symptoms appear.
Many people feel healthy despite borderline readings. However, subtle signs such as post-meal fatigue, mild weight gain, or increased abdominal fat may indicate metabolic imbalance.
Lifestyle Triggers That Push You Into Diabetes
Doctors identify sedentary routines as the biggest risk factor. Long sitting hours, irregular meals, late-night schedules, excessive alcohol intake, smoking, and progressive weight gain significantly raise the risk of transitioning from pre-diabetes to diabetes.
Skipping breakfast, eating late dinners, and erratic sleep cycles disrupt the body’s metabolic rhythm. Experts also warn that daytime sleeping and staying awake most of the night can disturb hormonal balance and worsen insulin resistance.
A family history of diabetes further increases vulnerability. Individuals with diabetic parents should monitor blood sugar levels regularly, even if they feel fine.
Can Pre-Diabetes Be Reversed?
The encouraging news is that pre-diabetes can often be reversed with timely action. Doctors recommend structured meal timing, balanced nutrition, reduced processed sugar intake, and at least 30–45 minutes of daily physical activity.
Weight management plays a central role. Even modest weight loss of 5–7 percent can significantly improve insulin sensitivity. Stress reduction, adequate sleep and periodic blood tests are equally important.
Experts stress that the “borderline zone” is a critical window of opportunity. Acting early can prevent progression and reduce long-term complications.
Diabetes: A Gateway to Other Diseases
Medical professionals warn that diabetes is not an isolated illness. It substantially increases the risk of heart disease, hypertension, fatty liver, kidney damage, stroke and even certain cancers.
Young adults are increasingly being diagnosed with metabolic disorders, making early screening vital after the age of 40 — or earlier in high-risk individuals.
Safe sugar levels generally include fasting glucose below 110 mg/dL, post-meal glucose under 160 mg/dL, and HbA1c below 5.6 percent. Those with obesity, family history or sedentary lifestyles should maintain stricter monitoring.
Take Borderline Results Seriously
Doctors conclude that borderline HbA1c is not a comfort zone. It is a warning signal. Ignoring it today may mean dealing with diabetes tomorrow.
Regular check-ups, disciplined lifestyle habits, and awareness can help India combat the rising burden of metabolic diseases. Prevention, experts insist, remains the most powerful medicine.
