In short
Prediabetes is blood sugar above normal but below diabetes: HbA1c 5.7 to 6.4 percent, fasting glucose 100 to 125 mg/dL or a 2-hour glucose of 140 to 199 mg/dL. About 5 to 10 percent of people with prediabetes develop type 2 diabetes each year. Weight gain and abdominal fat speed this up.
Condition Overview
What is prediabetes?
Prediabetes is raised blood sugar that does not yet reach the level of diabetes, caused by insulin resistance and a pancreas that is starting to fall behind.
How is prediabetes diagnosed?
Prediabetes is diagnosed with any one of 3 blood tests.
| Test | Prediabetes range |
|---|---|
| HbA1c | 5.7 to 6.4 percent (39 to 47 mmol/mol) |
| Fasting glucose | 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) |
| 2-hour glucose after 75 g sugar | 140 to 199 mg/dL (7.8 to 11.0 mmol/L) |
How often does prediabetes turn into diabetes?
About 5 to 10 percent of people with prediabetes develop type 2 diabetes each year, faster when both fasting and 2-hour glucose are raised. HbA1c or fasting glucose is therefore repeated at least once a year.
Who is at risk of prediabetes?
The risk of prediabetes and diabetes is higher with overweight, abdominal fat, a parent or sibling with diabetes, earlier gestational diabetes, inactivity, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea and polycystic ovary syndrome. People of Asian, Black and Hispanic origin have a higher risk at the same weight.
How does weight affect prediabetes?
Weight affects prediabetes because abdominal fat raises insulin resistance. Structured weight loss with activity delays diabetes in people with prediabetes and overweight. Semaglutide and tirzepatide lower the risk of progression to diabetes in people with prediabetes and obesity, according to clinical guidance.
Prediabetes in Dubai and the UAE
How common is raised blood sugar in the UAE?
The national UAE health survey 2024 to 2025 found obesity in 22.4 percent of adults, more than 1 in 5, high blood pressure in 25.9 percent, raised blood sugar in 12.5 percent and too little physical activity in 59.1 percent (MOHAP survey, reported by WAM).
Among 33,327 Emirati men aged 18 to 29, 41.3 percent had raised fasting blood sugar (Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, 2019).
Dr Felix treats within the scope of his Dubai Health Authority licence. When a case needs a specialist view, for example suspected Cushing’s syndrome, a severe eating disorder or weight loss surgery, the decision is made together with an endocrinologist, psychiatrist or bariatric surgeon.
How weight is treated with prediabetes: metabolic weight loss, GLP-1 weight loss treatment and, with diabetes, weight loss injections for type 2 diabetes.
When to See a Doctor
- Your HbA1c was 5.7 percent or higher.
- You gained weight around the waist in recent years.
- A parent or sibling has type 2 diabetes.
- You had diabetes in pregnancy.
- Thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision or weight loss: tests for diabetes the same week.
- A foot wound that does not heal: assessment the same day.
- Chest pain or breathlessness on exertion: heart assessment first.
How Dr. Felix Assesses This
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1
Weight history
Onset, weight changes, earlier attempts, eating pattern, sleep and medicines.
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2
Examination
BMI, waist, blood pressure, and signs of thyroid, hormonal or other causes.
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3
Blood tests
HbA1c, lipids, liver enzymes and thyroid function (TSH), plus targeted tests.
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4
Risk and plan
Health risk graded low, moderate or high, and the treatment plan.
Treatment Options
Metabolic Weight Loss Program in Dubai
Metabolic syndrome is the combination of abdominal fat, raised blood sugar, abnormal blood lipids and high blood pressure. Clinical guidance…
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GLP-1 Weight Loss Treatment in Dubai
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) is a hormone the gut releases after eating. GLP-1 increases insulin release when blood sugar is…
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Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) for Weight Loss in Dubai
Mounjaro is tirzepatide, a once-weekly injection that activates both the GIP and the GLP-1 receptor. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) and…
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Wegovy for Weight Loss in Dubai
Wegovy is a prescription medicine containing semaglutide, licensed for weight loss and weight maintenance. Semaglutide acts like GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide…
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Why Early Treatment Can Matter
Treating prediabetes early delays or prevents type 2 diabetes. Structured weight loss and activity work best at this stage, and blood pressure and blood fats are treated at the same time.
Why Early Treatment Can Matter
Treating prediabetes early delays or prevents type 2 diabetes. Structured weight loss and activity work best at this stage, and blood pressure and blood fats are treated at the same time.
Diabetes delayed
Weight loss and activity slow progression.
Heart risk
Blood pressure and cholesterol are treated alongside.
Yearly check
HbA1c follows the trend.
Cost & Consultation Investment
The cost of a prediabetes assessment covers the consultation with Dr Felix, the examination, the blood tests that change the plan and the written plan. Dr Felix explains the full cost before anything is done.
Frequently Asked Questions
An HbA1c of 5.7 to 6.4 percent counts as prediabetes; 6.5 percent or more is diabetes.
Yes, many people with prediabetes return to normal blood sugar with weight loss and activity.
HbA1c or fasting glucose is checked at least once a year.
The cost covers the consultation, examination, blood tests and written plan. Dr Felix explains the full cost before anything is done.
Evidence
Where this information comes from
Every figure on this page is taken from the sources below. All of them are free to read, so you can check them yourself.
- MOHAP National Health and Nutrition Survey 2024-2025
- Cardiometabolic risk factors among young Emirati men
- High prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors amongst young adults in the United Arab Emirates: the UAE Healthy Future Study
This page is general medical information and does not replace a personal consultation. Trial results are averages across large groups, not a prediction for any one person.