Prediabetes

Causes & Risk Factors

Prediabetes shares many risk factors with type 2 diabetes, since it represents an earlier point on the same metabolic spectrum:

•  Overweight or obesity, particularly abdominal obesity.

•  Family history of diabetes.

•  Sedentary lifestyle.

•  Previous gestational diabetes.

•  Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

•  Hypertension or abnormal lipid profile.

•  Previous borderline glucose results on prior testing.

Symptoms & When to Test

Prediabetes typically causes no symptoms, which is precisely why risk-based screening (rather than symptom-based testing) is the basis for detection.

•  Usually asymptomatic — this is the defining challenge of prediabetes

•  Identified through screening in at-risk individuals rather than through symptoms

•  May occasionally be identified incidentally during testing for other reasons

When Should You Consider Testing?

Screening is generally recommended for individuals with overweight or obesity, family history of diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, previous gestational diabetes, PCOS, hypertension or abnormal lipid profile, or previous borderline glucose results — rather than waiting for symptoms, since prediabetes is typically asymptomatic.

Why Tests Are Combined

HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, and OGTT each can identify prediabetes, but the appropriate test depends on the patient's risk factors and clinical situation — OGTT, in particular, can sometimes identify glucose abnormalities that fasting glucose or HbA1c alone might miss, in specific higher-risk scenarios.

Because prediabetes screening is about risk-stratification in asymptomatic individuals rather than confirming an already-suspected diagnosis, choosing the most appropriate initial test (often HbA1c or fasting glucose, given practicality) matters for a cost-effective and patient-friendly approach to widespread screening.

Identifying prediabetes is valuable specifically because it is a modifiable stage — unlike established diabetes, lifestyle intervention at the prediabetes stage has a meaningful chance of preventing or delaying progression to type 2 diabetes altogether.

Tests Available at NPL

Preparation requirements vary by specific test — please follow the instructions provided by your doctor or NPL for the tests ordered.

Home Sample Collection

NPL offers convenient home sample collection for Prediabetes blood tests, so you don't need to visit a lab in person.

→ Book your test online, via the NPL app, or by calling +977 1 5970147 and select a convenient time slot for home sample collection.

→ A certified and experienced NPL phlebotomist visits your home at the scheduled time, following strict hygiene and safety protocols.

→ Your sample is transported under controlled, monitored conditions to NPL's ISO NABL ACCREDITED UNDER ISO15189:2022 laboratory for processing.

→ Your digital report is delivered securely to your phone or email, along with access to download and share it as needed.

When to See a Doctor

•  Known risk factors (obesity, family history, sedentary lifestyle) without prior glucose testing

•  Previous gestational diabetes — discuss ongoing screening schedule

•  PCOS with any glucose-related concerns

•  Previous borderline glucose results requiring follow-up