Conditions & care · Claremont, Cape Town
Prediabetes & insulin resistance
Prediabetes and metabolic health appear in the existing practice information. A consultation can clarify the results that prompted concern and what they mean in your wider health history.
Two related terms with different meanings
Insulin resistance means the body’s cells respond less effectively to insulin. Prediabetes means glucose levels are above the usual range but below the diagnostic range for diabetes. The terms describe related issues, but they are not interchangeable.
Discussing risk in context
Prediabetes increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, but an individual’s next steps depend on assessment. Ask which results were used, whether another test is needed and how follow-up should be arranged. Avoid interpreting a single number without its clinical context.
Information to gather
Have the original laboratory report, test date and any earlier comparable results available. Tell the clinician about relevant medication and changes in health. Prepare questions about the meaning of the result and the follow-up plan rather than starting a treatment from an online checklist.
Questions about this topic
Is prediabetes the same diagnosis as type 2 diabetes?
No. They describe different blood-glucose categories. A clinician should explain your results and whether additional testing is needed.
This is general information to support a clinical conversation, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan.