ACBRD researcher Professor Timothy Skinner contributed to research in Sweden that sheds light on the experience of living with prediabetes
Prediabetes occurs when a person’s glucose levels are high but below the diagnostic threshold for type 2 diabetes. People with prediabetes are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This risk is influenced by a mix of factors, including genetics, age, ethnic background, environment, behaviours, and possibly other unknown factors. The good news is that some of these risks can be reduced. Healthy eating and moderate exercise can help lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
To better support people with prediabetes to reduce their risk, we first need to understand what it is like to live with prediabetes. Led by Katri Harcke, a team of researchers in Sweden explored the views and support needs of people with prediabetes. The team includes the centre’s own Professor Timothy Skinner.
What did the study involve?
In the study, researchers interviewed 21 people living with prediabetes. They were aged between 28-85 years old, and had been living with prediabetes from between 1-20 years.
What did the study find?
The researchers identified two main themes from the interviews:
- Prediabetes: a condition between health and disease
Some participants felt confused when talking with their health professional about prediabetes. They said that their health professional had used words like “close to the limit” or “slightly high sugar values”. These terms made people feel unsure about whether they had prediabetes or not. This lack of clarity led some people to see prediabetes as unimportant – something you don’t need to worry about.
Some weren’t shocked by their diagnosis, as they had family or friends with type 2 diabetes. Others felt surprised by their diagnosis, even where they had family with the condition, because they felt they were already practicing healthy habits.
For some people, their diagnosis of prediabetes was the nudge they needed. It gave them motivation to set healthy eating and activity goals. But people also recognised how it was hard to make or maintain these changes.
- I must manage it myself, but I need support
Self-management of prediabetes can include eating healthy food, exercising, managing stress, and monitoring glucose levels.
Knowing more about prediabetes and getting support from others helped self-management. Barriers such as financial difficulties made it hard for people to know what options they had for making healthy changes.
Participants said health professionals can help them by giving clear advice about prediabetes. They also wanted follow-up appointments for continued support. Participants said that they wanted health professionals to be encouraging and focus on the positives.
Why does this matter?
This study shows that people with prediabetes understand and experience their condition in different ways. Knowledge and support can help people to make healthier choices to reduce their risk (or manage their future type 2 diabetes).
Communication is key. How prediabetes is explained really matters. Clear information about the diagnosis and the importance of self-management can motivate people to make positive changes. People with prediabetes also value reassurance and positive feedback from health professionals, which helps them feel supported in taking care of their health.
Reference:
Harcke K, Graue M, Skinner TC, Olsson CB, Grabowski D, Saleh-Stattin N. Should I Take Prediabetes Seriously or Not: A Qualitative Study on People’s Perceptions of Prediabetes. J Diabetes Res. 2025 Feb 12;2025:8063481. doi: 10.1155/jdr/8063481.
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