What is the Difference between Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes
A lot of people seem to have many preconceived notions about Prediabetes. Although it is just an onset of Type 2 Diabetes, some people believe that it is a type of Diabetes in itself. There is a lot of difference between Prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes but there are similarities in them too. Once you know the actual differences between them, you will have a better understanding of both the conditions. Let’s see some of the major differentiating factors between Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes.
Blood Sugar Level
The major differentiator through which we classify both the diseases is the blood sugar level. Usually, the diabetic blood sugar level is above 126 mg/dl when tested through a Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) test. If it is higher, a person is said to have Type 2 Diabetes and necessary measures are taken. However, if the blood sugar level is lower than 126 mg/dl but more than 100 mg/dl, a person is diagnosed with Prediabetes. This is the prime differentiating factor through which we can label a person’s condition as Prediabetes or Type 2 Diabetes.
Symptoms
Usually, a sugar disease like Diabetes doesn’t depict any kind of symptoms but people suffering from Type 2 Diabetes often experience increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision and fatigue along with a few other symptoms. Whereas people suffering from Prediabetes often show no symptoms and it can only be diagnosed through a blood test for measuring blood sugar level.
It is recommended to go through diabetes check up for screening your blood sugar level. The mild symptoms of Type 2 diabetes can be seen in Prediabetes but most of the times there are no symptoms. This is how one can differentiate Prediabetes from Type 2 Diabetes based on the symptoms they show.
Treatment
Treatment for both the conditions differs to a certain extent. Although some treatment methods such as a change in lifestyle, exercising as well as diet plan are necessary for both, medication can differ. Insulin injections can be prescribed for Type 2 Diabetes but it is not needed for people with Prediabetes. Since the blood sugar level is lower in Prediabetes than in Type 2 Diabetes, the treatment mode and techniques relatively differ for both of them. But as the nature of diagnosis is similar in both, some of the treatment prescribed by the doctor can be similar in some cases.