Signs of type 2 diabetes typically manifest as fatigue, increased thirst and blurry vision. But how can you tell if you’re prediabetic—meaning your blood sugar is elevated but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes? Experts say that symptoms of prediabetes in females aren’t always as clear. And sometimes, no signs appear at all. With that in mind, there are subtle signs that can clue you into the condition, as long as you know what to look for. Keep reading to learn more about the sneaky symptoms of prediabetes and what to do next if you suspect you’re prediabetic.
Symptoms of prediabetes in females
Prediabetes often presents with mild or no obvious symptoms, which can make it hard to recognize or diagnose early. And because people with prediabetes can go on to develop type 2 diabetes if the condition is left unchecked, it’s important to catch it as soon as you can.
“The common signs that I see in my patients as blood sugar levels begin to rise include dry mouth, increased thirst and frequent urination,” says Janette Nesheiwat, MD, board-certified medical doctor, founder of BC Boost. “High blood sugar draws water from tissues, leading to dehydration.”
Another potential indicator of prediabetes is darkened skin in areas of friction, such as your armpits, on the back or sides of your neck or in the groin area, says Brynna Connor, MD, Healthcare Ambassador at NorthWestPharmacy.com. “This is called acanthosis nigricans and is associated with insulin resistance, which can be a step toward developing diabetes” she explains.
How symptoms of prediabetes differ in females
While the aforementioned prediabetes symptoms can affect both men and women equally, women may experience specific manifestations of the condition related to hormonal changes and reproductive health. “There is an increased risk of urinary or vaginal infections, as elevated blood sugar levels can promote infections in these areas,” Dr. Nesheiwat says.
Risk factors for prediabetes
Multiple factors can cause prediabetes, but the condition “occurs when your body becomes resistant to insulin and/or your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels,” says Dr. Connor.
Here’s what can can increase your risk of developing prediabetes:
- Family history of diabetes or obesity
- Being overweight and/or having a waist size larger than 35” (for women) or 40” (for men)
- A diet high in red meat, sugar or processed foods
- Lack of physical activity, especially after age 45
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which Dr. Nesheiwat says can increase the odds of insulin resistance
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- A history of gestational diabetes
Dr. Connor also says to look out for underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure and/or cholesterol, cardiovascular disease and hypothyroidism, as these can sometimes lead to prediabetes.
How to tell if you’re prediabetic
Since the symptoms of prediabetes in females are easy to write off as something else (or miss entirely), the only way to know for sure if you’re prediabetic is to have your healthcare provider conduct a blood test, says Dr. Connor. Three main types of blood tests can determine whether or not you’re prediabetic:
Fasting glucose test
This test measures your blood sugar, or glucose, after you’ve fasted (having water only) for at least eight hours. “The normal level of glucose in this type of test is 99 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) or lower,” says Dr. Connor. “A level of 100-125 mg/dL is an indicator of prediabetes.”
Hemoglobin A1C test
The A1C test is another type of blood test that measures your glucose levels over the course of two to three months. Dr. Connor says the test is conducted to determine the amount of hemoglobin that has glucose attached.A normal A1C level is below 5.7 percent, while 5.7 to 6.4 percent is considered prediabetic.
Oral glucose tolerance test
“An oral glucose tolerance test is another test that’s done after you’ve fasted for at least eight hours,” says Dr. Connor. “You’ll drink a glucose drink, and then your blood will be drawn at specific intervals over up to three hours to measure the body’s response to sugar.”
How to reverse prediabetes
If you think you may be prediabetic, the first step is to see your doctor. The good news? When caught early, prediabetes can often be reversed. The key is making a few healthy lifestyle changes. “This means following a good, healthy diet with plenty of fiber, vegetables and protein,” says Dr. Nesheiwat. She adds that exercise is critical, especially resistance and weight training. Keeping up with regular checkups and blood sugar monitoring can also help ensure you’re on your way to reversing the condition.
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
