Prediabetes
What Is It?
Fasting glucose 100-125 mg/dL (impaired fasting glucose) or HbA1c 5.7-6.4%. Indicates insulin resistance and high risk for progression to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, or 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. USPSTF recommends screening all adults 35-70 who are overweight or obese.
How Is It Treated?
Intensive lifestyle modification (5-7% weight loss, 150 min/week moderate exercise) reduces progression by 58%. Metformin for high-risk patients (HbA1c >=6%, BMI >=35, age <60). Annual monitoring.
Tests and Imaging Typically Needed
Fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipid panel, BMP, urinalysis.
Approximate Self-Pay Costs
Office visit: $95-$150. HbA1c: $25-$40. Metformin: $4-$10/month.