Latent diabetes, which is considered the beginning of diabetes, is a common problem in our hidden sugar society. Yeditepe University Hospitals Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases specialist explained that if latent diabetes is detected early, its development can be prevented. Specialist answered the questions about latent diabetes.

• What is Latent Diabetes (Prediabetes)?

Latent diabetes, commonly known as impaired fasting glucose, is a condition in which a person's blood sugar level is higher than normal but not high enough to diagnose diabetes. In other words, impaired fasting glucose is a candidate for Type 2 diabetes.

• How often does prediabetes occur?

We can examine prediabetes roughly in 2 groups. The condition with impaired fasting sugar is called "impaired fasting glucose", while only the high in satiety blood sugar is called "impaired glucose tolerance". In some patients, these two conditions can be seen together. The International Diabetes Federation's (IDF) 2021 diabetes atlas predicts that approximately 319 million people worldwide have impaired fasting glucose and 541 million have impaired glucose tolerance.

• Why is it important to identify prediabetes?

Studies have shown that the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in individuals with impaired fasting glucose is higher than in individuals with normal blood sugar. Again, studies have shown that latent diabetic individuals have a nearly 50% risk of developing obvious diabetes. With the early diagnosis of impaired fasting glucose, lifestyle changes, and medical treatments, diabetes development and diabetes-related complications can be prevented or delayed.

• Who is at risk for prediabetes?

Individuals over the age of 45 should definitely be evaluated for prediabetes. In addition, if the body mass index is above 25 kg/m2 in younger than 45 years, it should be evaluated for prediabetes in the presence of some risk factors. These risk factors: Presence of diabetes in the family, especially in 1st and 2nd-degree relatives, high blood pressure, low HDL-cholesterol level, high triglyceride level, lack of inactivity or physical activity, presence of polycystic ovary syndrome, gestational diabetes, or a history of the birth of a large baby (>4kg) can be counted.