Key Takeaways
1 in 3 Americans has prediabetes, often without symptoms—early detection can reverse it.
Key risks: age 45+, extra weight, inactivity, family history, and certain ethnicities.
Watch for fatigue, thirst, blurry vision, frequent urination, and slow-healing wounds.
Without treatment, prediabetes often leads to Type 2 diabetes and serious complications.
CLS Health offers screening and specialist care in Houston to help manage and prevent diabetes.
1 in 3 Americans has prediabetes — and most don’t know it. Prediabetes often develops quietly, with symptoms so mild that they’re easy to overlook. Yet catching it early can make a life-changing difference. With access to diabetes screening and endocrinology specialists across Houston, you can take simple steps now to protect your long-term health.
What Is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes occurs when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes. It’s your body’s warning sign, a stage where glucose regulation is impaired, but the condition can still be reversed with proper care and lifestyle changes.
Unlike Type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune condition, or Type 2 diabetes, which involves insulin resistance, prediabetes sits in between.
It indicates your body is struggling to manage insulin efficiently but hasn’t yet reached a chronic diabetic state.
Common risk factors include:
- Being age 45 or older
- Carrying excess weight, especially around the abdomen
- A family history of diabetes
- Physical inactivity
- Being of Black, African, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, or Asian American descent
If any of these apply to you, it’s important to know the early signs and get screened.
Common Pre-Diabetes Symptoms
Prediabetes doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms, but your body often gives subtle hints. The following signs may suggest rising blood sugar levels:
- Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired even after rest may indicate fluctuating glucose levels.
- Increased thirst: High blood sugar causes dehydration, triggering frequent thirst.
- Blurred vision: Excess glucose can temporarily change your eye’s shape, leading to blurriness.
- Frequent urination: Your kidneys work harder to remove excess sugar, increasing urination.
- Slow-healing wounds: Elevated glucose can affect circulation and delay healing.
These symptoms are often dismissed or attributed to stress, aging, or dehydration. However, if they persist, it’s worth discussing them with a healthcare provider.
Signs of Diabetes in Men vs. Women
While both men and women can experience similar early symptoms, some differences are unique to each.
Diabetes in Men
- Erectile dysfunction due to reduced blood flow and nerve damage
- Low testosterone, which can lower energy and muscle strength
- Muscle loss occurs as the body struggles to use glucose efficiently
Diabetes in Women
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is closely linked with insulin resistance
- Recurrent vaginal infections due to elevated blood sugar levels
- Menstrual irregularities, often caused by hormonal imbalances related to insulin changes
Progression: From Prediabetes to Diabetes
Without intervention, prediabetes can progress to Type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition that affects multiple organ systems. According to studies, up to 70% of people with prediabetes eventually develop Type 2 diabetes if no changes are made.
The longer high blood sugar goes unmanaged, the greater the risk for complications such as:
- Nerve damage
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Vision loss
Timely intervention can reduce your risk dramatically. Through nutrition counseling, weight management, and regular exercise, many people successfully bring their blood sugar back to normal levels.
In addition to lifestyle changes, ongoing monitoring with your endocrinologist plays a major role in prevention. Regular A1C testing, blood pressure checks, and lipid panels help track metabolic health and ensure that treatment adjustments are made before complications arise.
Ultimately, diabetes management is about staying proactive, not reactive.
When Should You Get Screened?
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends diabetes screening for:
- Adults age 35 and older
- Anyone who is overweight with one or more risk factors
- People with a family history of diabetes
- Women with a history of gestational diabetes
You should also consider screening if you’ve noticed frequent urination, increased thirst, or unexplained fatigue. Early diagnosis allows for lifestyle changes and, when necessary, medical management before complications develop.
Diabetes Screening in Houston
Our endocrinology specialists in Houston at CLS Health provide personalized diabetes screening and treatment plans to help you manage your risk. During your visit, your provider will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and order lab tests such as fasting blood sugar or HbA1c.
What to expect:
- Quick, accurate diagnostic testing
- Guidance on nutrition, exercise, and blood sugar management
- Education on preventing Type 2 diabetes progression
Most insurance plans accepted by CLS Health cover diabetes screening, especially for those with risk factors. We offer transparent pricing and compassionate care at multiple convenient locations across Houston.
Leading Diabetes Specialists in Houston
CLS Health’s endocrinology team includes board-certified specialists experienced in diagnosing and managing prediabetes and diabetes. Each provider works closely with patients to create individualized care plans that promote long-term health and wellness.
Our specialists collaborate with registered dietitians and primary care providers to ensure every aspect of your health is addressed, including nutrition, activity level, stress management, and medication guidance. This multidisciplinary approach helps patients achieve lasting results.
Schedule Your Diabetes Screening Today
Don’t wait until symptoms worsen. Our diabetes specialists offer convenient, compassionate screening and care.
Schedule your appointment with an endocrinologist today.
