Prediabetes: The Critical Window for Early Action and Prevention | World Patients Alliance

Prediabetes is often missed because many people do not know they are at risk. Yet this stage can be one of the most important moments in the diabetes prevention pathway. 

It gives individuals, families, healthcare providers, and health systems a chance to act before Type 2 diabetes develops. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that lifestyle changes are the most effective way to prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes. These include healthy eating, regular physical activity, weight management, and avoiding tobacco use. 

But prevention is not only about individual choices. People also need clear information, timely guidance, access to screening, and health systems that support early action. 

This is why the World Patients Alliance launched the Prediabetes Awareness & Action Initiative. The initiative focuses on early awareness, practical prevention, patient empowerment, and stronger policy action. 

Prediabetes means that blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough for a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this includes an A1c level between 5.7% and 6.4%. 

The challenge is that many people do not feel unwell at this stage. The WHO notes that Type 2 diabetes symptoms can be mild and may take years to become noticeable. 

This means many people may not realise they are at risk unless they are tested or advised by a healthcare provider. 

The scale of diabetes also shows why early action matters. 

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reports that around 589 million adults were living with diabetes in 2024. This means 1 in 9 adults worldwide. The IDF also projects that this number could rise to 853 million by 2050 without sustained prevention efforts. 

These numbers are not just statistics. They show why awareness must begin before a diabetes diagnosis. People need access to timely screening, clear advice, and support to manage their risk early. 

Data helps us understand the size of the issue. But patient and family experiences show what delayed awareness feels like in real life. 

Across different countries, the message is similar. Many people do not know their risk early enough. Some are diagnosed only after symptoms appear. Others are missed even when they are already in contact with health services. 

These stories show why early awareness, routine screening, and practical support are so important. 

Anita Sabidi, Indonesia 

“I first learned about prediabetes through my eldest son, who was identified as being at risk at a very young age. That moment shifted everything for our family. It reinforced how important early screening and awareness truly are. Prediabetes is not just a number; it is an opportunity. Knowing your risk early allows families to take proactive steps and build healthier habits before complications arise. For me, awareness is empowerment, not fear.” 

Anita’s story shows that prediabetes awareness can affect the whole family. When risk is identified early, families can ask better questions, seek guidance, and take practical steps together. 

Her message is important because awareness should not create fear. It should create an opportunity for action. 

Jacquean L. Kosh, United States 

“I have been living with Type 2 diabetes for about 18 years. I was diagnosed after a routine annual physical check up. A few days later, my primary care physician called to tell me that I had diabetes. My father and paternal grandmother both had diabetes, so it was already part of my family history. What surprised me was my age. I was diagnosed three days after turning 26. Looking back, I remember increased thirst, using the bathroom more often, increased hunger, and feeling unusually tired. At the time, I did not fully understand what those signs could mean. My message is simple: family history and warning signs should not be ignored.” 

Jacquean’s experience shows why people need simple and clear information about risk. Family history can matter. Warning signs can matter. But people need to know what these signs may mean and when to seek medical advice. 

This is especially important for younger adults who may not expect to be at risk. 

Lurina Fourie, South Africa 

“My dad was attacked by a dog and ended up in the emergency room. As we were leaving, the doctor asked if he lived with diabetes. My dad said no. The doctor decided to check his blood glucose out of caution. That moment changed everything. His levels were extremely high, and he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. The difficult part was that he had been seeing his general practitioner every six months, but his blood glucose had not been checked. If that doctor had not taken a little extra time, his diagnosis could have been delayed further. Instead, it became a turning point. He made changes, received support, and today he is the healthiest we have ever seen him.” 

Lurina’s story highlights a serious gap. A person can be seeing a healthcare provider regularly and still not receive blood glucose screening. 

This shows why early detection cannot depend on chance. Routine screening pathways are needed, especially for people who may already have risk factors. 

Dr. Eng Wei Peng, Malaysia 

“Living with Type 1 diabetes, while also working as a doctor, has shaped how I understand diabetes in Malaysia. Being on both sides has shown me why early risk awareness matters, especially in countries facing a growing burden of Type 2 diabetes. My key message is simple: do not wait for complications. Recognise the risks, go for screening, and take small steps early. In Malaysia, building awareness is just as important as treatment.” 

Dr. Eng brings both lived and clinical understanding. Her message is direct: people should not wait for complications before taking action. 

This is especially relevant in countries where Type 2 diabetes is increasing and where many people may not receive early advice or testing. 

Tinotenda Dzikiti, Zimbabwe 

“From both my lived experience and my work with patients and families, delayed diagnosis and low awareness remain major challenges. Many people only seek care when complications have already developed. Strengthening community awareness, integrating routine screening, and improving access to diagnostics can help people receive guidance earlier.” 

Tinotenda’s experience points to the system-level barriers behind delayed diagnosis. Low awareness is part of the problem, but access also matters. 

People need community education. They need routine screening. They need affordable and accessible diagnostics. Without these, many people will continue to receive help too late. 

Prediabetes is not only a personal health issue. It is also a public health and policy concern. 

Awareness is important, but awareness alone is not enough. People need systems that make early action possible. 

Several areas need stronger attention. 

Public messages must be simple, culturally relevant, and easy to understand. People should know what prediabetes means, who may be at risk, and when to speak with a healthcare provider. 

Patients need structured, realistic support for healthy eating, physical activity, and weight management. These programs must be easily accessible through primary care and community networks. 

Healthcare providers play an important role in guiding prediabetes management. People need follow-up care, clear advice, affordable services, and access to appropriate management options, including pharmacotherapy when clinically necessary. 

Screening should reach people who are more likely to be at risk. This includes family members of people living with diabetes and communities with limited access to preventive care. 

Patients, families, and caregivers need practical resources in plain language. These resources can help them understand risk, prepare questions, and speak more confidently with healthcare providers. 

Early detection should not depend on luck. Routine diabetes screening should be part of national health policies, primary healthcare systems, and noncommunicable disease prevention strategies. 

Prediabetes gives us a critical opportunity to act early. But too often, this opportunity is missed because people do not receive timely information, screening, or support. 

The patient and family stories shared here show the real impact of delayed awareness. They also show what becomes possible when people receive the right guidance at the right time. 

For the World Patients Alliance, prediabetes awareness is not about creating fear. It is about helping individuals, families, and communities understand their risk and take informed action. 

It is also about supporting patient organizations to advocate for accessible screening, better education, and stronger policy action. 

Prediabetes can be identified earlier. People can be supported earlier. And health systems can do more to make prevention possible before it is too late.