November is American Diabetes Month, and it's a good excuse to ask a question most people never think about: do you know your blood sugar number? For most adults the honest answer is no. Prediabetes testing is one of the simplest checks you can get in Manassas, and it usually comes down to a single blood draw.
Here's why it matters. According to the CDC, about 98 million U.S. adults have prediabetes, which is more than 1 in 3. And 81% of them don't know it. That's not because people are ignoring symptoms. It's because there usually aren't any.
Quick answer
- Prediabetes means your blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes range.
- It usually has no symptoms, so a blood test is the only way to know.
- An A1C of 5.7% to 6.4% falls in the prediabetes range.
- Adults 35 to 70 who carry extra weight are a key screening group, but other risk factors count too.
- Catching it early gives you time to make changes that can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes.
What is prediabetes, exactly?
Prediabetes is a warning zone. Your body is starting to have trouble keeping blood sugar in a normal range, but it hasn't crossed into type 2 diabetes yet.
That "yet" is the whole point. Prediabetes isn't a diagnosis to panic about. It's information, and it's most useful when you get it early.
Why don't most people know they have it?
Because it rarely feels like anything. MedlinePlus, the National Library of Medicine's patient site, notes that prediabetes usually causes no symptoms and that you can't tell you have it without a blood test.
So you can feel fine, eat reasonably well, stay busy with work and family, and still have a number that's creeping up. Plenty of people in Prince William County only find out because it showed up on routine labs during a physical or a pre-employment visit.
Who should get tested?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in adults ages 35 to 70 who have overweight or obesity. That's the headline group, but it isn't the only one.
MedlinePlus lists a broader set of reasons to get checked, including:
- Being 35 or older
- A parent, brother, sister, or child with diabetes
- An inactive lifestyle
- Blood pressure that's often 130/80 or higher
- Low HDL ("good") cholesterol or high triglycerides
- A history of heart disease or gestational diabetes
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- A waist over 35 inches for women or 40 inches for men
- Being African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/Alaska Native, or Pacific Islander, or Asian American with a BMI of 23 or higher
Northern Virginia is one of the most diverse regions in the state, so that last point applies to a lot of our neighbors. It isn't about blame. Some groups simply carry a higher risk, and knowing that helps you decide when to ask for a test.
Not sure where you land? The CDC and American Diabetes Association offer a free online prediabetes risk test that takes a couple of minutes. A score of 5 or higher suggests a higher risk. It can't diagnose anything, though. Only a blood test can.
What do the numbers mean?
There are a few ways to check, and your provider will pick what fits. These are the prediabetes ranges MedlinePlus lists:
- A1C: 5.7% to 6.4%
- Fasting blood glucose: 100 to 125 mg/dL
- 2-hour glucose tolerance test: 140 to 199 mg/dL after a sugary drink
The A1C is often the easiest. It reflects your average blood sugar over roughly the past two to three months, so one big meal or a stressful morning doesn't swing it much. You also usually don't need to fast for it, though your provider may order other labs at the same visit that do require fasting. Ask when you book.
Results above these ranges fall into the diabetes range and are usually confirmed with repeat testing. Results below them are considered normal.
What happens if my results are in the prediabetes range?
You have options, and that's good news. The CDC reports that people with prediabetes who took part in its National Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle change program cut their risk of type 2 diabetes by 58%, and by 71% for people over 60.
The changes involved aren't dramatic. MedlinePlus points to things like:
- Losing a modest amount of weight (around 7% of body weight is one example)
- Moderate exercise for 30 to 60 minutes, at least five days a week, which can be split into shorter walks
- Eating more vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein while cutting back on sweets and fried foods
For a 200-pound person, 7% is about 14 pounds. That's a realistic target, not a total life overhaul.
Some people also need medication, or help managing blood pressure or cholesterol at the same time. That's a conversation for your provider, based on your full health picture. If weight has been hard to move on your own, AltMed's medical weight loss program offers provider-supervised support, and a provider can talk through whether it makes sense for you.
How often should I be retested?
MedlinePlus suggests retesting every year if you have prediabetes and about every three years if your results are normal. Your provider may adjust that based on your risk factors.
A yearly physical is an easy place to fold this in. If you haven't had one in a while, November is as good a month as any to restart.
When is high blood sugar an emergency?
Prediabetes itself is not an emergency. But very high blood sugar can be. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for severe symptoms like confusion, trouble breathing, nonstop vomiting, a fruity smell on the breath, extreme drowsiness, or fainting. Don't wait for a clinic visit in those cases.
What to expect at Altmed Medical Center
Altmed Medical Center in Manassas, VA offers prediabetes and diabetes screening through primary care, including annual physicals, preventive screenings, and ongoing diabetes follow-up for patients who need it.
Our lab testing services may include A1C, metabolic panels, and lipid testing, so your blood sugar and cholesterol can often be checked in one visit. The clinic is at 8551 Rixlew Lane, Suite 140 A, and is open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Walk-ins are welcome for many same-day needs, but we recommend scheduling ahead for a full physical or a longer chronic-care visit.
Coverage varies by plan, so if you have questions about insurance or self-pay pricing for labs, contact our team or call (703) 361-4357 before you come in.
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Altmed Medical Center offers urgent care, primary care, occupational health, telehealth, and medical weight-loss services in Manassas. If this article matches what you are dealing with, our team can help you choose the right service.
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