The answer is prediabetes.

I have previously explained what prediabetes means—it refers to impaired glucose regulation, including impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance.

Let me reiterate the concepts:

Impaired fasting glucose: Fasting blood glucose levels greater than 5.6 but less than 7.

Impaired glucose tolerance: A 2-hour blood glucose level greater than 7.8 but less than 11.1 during an oral glucose tolerance test.

These are early signs of diabetes, which are more evident during the progression of type 2 diabetes. This is a transitional stage from a healthy state to diabetes—a golden window for reversal and the last opportunity to prevent the development of full-blown diabetes. Therefore, Professor Tang Wei, an endocrinology expert in China, points out that early detection of impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance, along with timely and effective intervention, is key to preventing the progression to type 2 diabetes.

Speaking of this, Dr. Wu often feels helpless. For every patient diagnosed with prediabetes in my clinic, I provide a detailed explanation, emphasizing the severity and importance of the condition. However, very few truly take it to heart. Out of 100 patients, no more than 10 pay attention to this stage and actively intervene. Most of the others believe that since they don’t feel unwell, it’s not a big deal, they are still young, and they’ll just be more careful after returning home. Years later, they develop full-blown diabetes. Some patients don’t listen at all and become impatient. So, in such cases, Dr. Wu now explains only once. If you take it seriously, you’ll turn misfortune into a blessing and avoid diabetes. If you don’t, that’s it—no further explanation.

Studies show that among patients with impaired glucose tolerance, at least one-third will develop diabetes within the next 5–10 years, one-third will return to normal, and one-third will remain unchanged.

So the question is: Do you have impaired glucose tolerance? Have you taken timely intervention and made adjustments? Which of the aforementioned thirds would you prefer to belong to?