Frequently Asked Questions About Pre-Diabetes and Insulin Resistance

List of All Pre-Diabetes FAQs

Who should be tested for pre-diabetes?

You should be tested for pre-diabetes if:

• You have a family history of pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes;
  
  
• Have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (women) or metabolic syndrome (men and women);
  
  
• Have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (an autoimmune disorder that causes low thyroid - people with carbohydrate metabolic problems like type 2 diabetes have a four times greater risk of getting Hashimoto's than the general population);
  
  
• Are pregnant;
  
  
• Are age 45 or older;
  
  
• Are overweight, especially if you carry weight around the abdomen;
  
  
• If you have any skin changes or discoloration especially on the neck or underarms, have skin tags; or
  
  
• You have unexplained weight gain, especially if you experience an increase in acne, scalp hair loss, increase in facial hair (women), or changes in your periods (women) at the same time.

Related Article: Who should be tested for insulin resistance?

Pregnancy and Pre-Diabetes

If you are pregnant, your doctor should screen you for gestational diabetes, a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and can affect the health of you and your baby.

Not all women get gestational diabetes, but all women who become pregnant are at risk for developing pre-diabetes because of hormonal changes that take place while they are pregnant. It is important to see your doctor regularly throughout your pregnancy as gestational diabetes may require you to take insulin.