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Millions of Americans have prediabetes — and most don’t even know it. The good news? It’s reversible with the right care, lifestyle changes, and routine A1C testing. Learn why early detection is key and how simple steps can help you take control of your health before diabetes develops.
Medically Reviewed by: Kaya Merzlak, CRNP
November is American Diabetes Month, a time to shine a light on one of the most common — yet reversible — health conditions affecting millions of Americans: prediabetes. It’s a warning sign that your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. The good news? With the right lifestyle changes and routine testing, you can take control and even reverse the course before it progresses.
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Prediabetes means your body isn’t using insulin as effectively as it should, causing glucose (sugar) to build up in the blood. Over time, this can lead to type 2 diabetes and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
What makes prediabetes tricky is that it often has no symptoms — you might feel perfectly fine while your blood sugar levels quietly rise. That’s why early detection through routine blood work, especially A1C testing, is so important.
The A1C test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past three months. Unlike a one-time glucose reading, the A1C provides a broader picture of how well your body manages blood sugar day to day.
Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms, regular A1C testing can help identify prediabetes early—when lifestyle changes can make the biggest difference. For patients already managing diabetes or prediabetes, tracking A1C every few months helps your care team see how well your current plan is working and make adjustments as needed.
At Connected Health, we include A1C testing as part of our comprehensive annual physicals and routine wellness monitoring. It’s a simple blood test that provides powerful insight into your overall metabolic health.
Kaya Merzlak, CRNP, explains:
“Connected Health goes beyond routine A1C testing—we look at several detailed markers, including insulin resistance that can be detected even before prediabetes develops, as well as genetic predispositions that may increase future risk. We do all the background thinking and coordination for you.”
Some people are more likely to develop prediabetes than others. Common risk factors include:
If you have any of these risk factors, talk with your care team about annual A1C screening — it’s a simple step that can make all the difference.
Most people with prediabetes feel fine, but some subtle changes may include:
Even if you're symptom-free, these are reasons to stay proactive with lab work and follow-up visits.
Prediabetes doesn’t have to become diabetes. With the right steps, you can take back control:
Even modest weight loss—as little as 5–7% of your body weight — can significantly reduce your risk of progressing to diabetes.
Prediabetes is your body’s early warning system — and routine A1C testing is your best tool for catching it before it becomes serious. Whether you’re looking to prevent diabetes or better manage your current diagnosis, the Connected Health team is here to help with personalized care, comprehensive testing, and long-term guidance that fits your lifestyle.
📅 Schedule your annual physical and blood work today, because understanding your numbers is the first step to protecting your health.
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