We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Borderline Diabetes?

Anna T.
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,895
Share

A person who has borderline diabetes, also referred to as prediabetes, has higher than normal blood sugar levels. Even though the levels may be abnormally high, they are not high enough to indicate full blown diabetes. Many people with borderline diabetes eventually develop type 2 diabetes, but this can sometimes be avoided if steps are taken to improve overall health. People with this condition normally have blood sugar levels that fall between 100 and 125 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter). Levels less than 100 mg/dl are normal, and levels more than 125 mg/dl indicate diabetes.

There are two different tests doctors typically use to diagnose borderline diabetes. The first test is a standard fasting test that requires a person to avoid eating for a certain amount of time, usually overnight, before having his or her blood drawn. If the results show a sign of prediabetes, the test is often done again. It is important that the test be performed at least a few times so doctors can be sure that levels are consistently high before diagnosing their patients.

The other test that some doctors use to determine if a patient has borderline diabetes is the oral glucose test. This test is similar to the fasting test, but a patient is usually asked to drink a very sweet liquid in the morning before the test is done. A doctor will normally take blood just after the patient drinks the liquid and again a few hours later. This is to find out how quickly the body can get rid of the excess glucose in the blood. If the blood levels are between 140 and 199 mg/dl after the second time the blood is taken, the patient probably has borderline diabetes.

If a person is diagnosed with borderline, or prediabetes, this does not mean it is inevitable that he or she will eventually have diabetes. This diagnosis could actually be considered a positive thing because it may give a person the chance he needs to improve his health, which would likely prevent him from ever being diagnosed with diabetes. After a borderline diabetes diagnosis has been made, it is very important for a person to start eating healthy foods, begin an exercise routine, and lose some weight if she needs to. In most cases, doctors ask patients with borderline diabetes to check their blood sugar levels every day to be sure they don't go too high. After a few months of making improved lifestyle changes, a patient should probably go back and have the same tests done again in case there may be some improvement.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Anna T.
By Anna T.
Anna Thurman is a skilled writer who lends her talents to WiseGeek. Her ability to research and present information in an engaging and accessible manner allows her to create content that resonates with readers across a wide range of subjects.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Anna T.
Anna T.
Anna Thurman is a skilled writer who lends her talents to WiseGeek. Her ability to research and present information in an engaging and accessible manner allows her to create content that resonates with readers across a wide range of subjects.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-borderline-diabetes.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.