• Published on: Sep 26, 2021
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Is The Meaning Of Pre-diabetic?

  • WhatsApp share link icon
  • copy & share link icon
  • twitter share link icon
  • facebook share link icon

What is the meaning of pre-diabetic?

Pre-diabetes is the stage that comes before type 2 diabetes. If blood sugar levels are high but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes, then you are pre-diabetic.

A person may have pre-diabetes if they find it hard to control their blood glucose levels.

It is important to note how long you have had this condition and what your other risk factors are like such as age, history of gestational diabetes, history of cardiovascular disease, family history (genetic heritability), obesity (BMI > 30), physical inactivity.

Pre-diabetic people tend to be insulin resistant or sensitive when they're not eating anything, and the fasting level is high at 138 mg/dl and when they're drinking glucose their fasting level goes up even more and after a meal, their blood sugar goes up higher than 140 mg/dl at least two times in 225.

Someone affected by pre-diabetes has an impaired ability to produce insulin, which is necessary to regulate glucose levels. This could lead to high blood sugar over time. People who are pre-diabetic may suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), normal aging or another illness that causes the pancreas to fail to work properly. A person suffering from pre-diabetes is suffering from high blood sugar levels. A person suffering from diabetes not Type 1 is suffering from high blood sugar levels.

Sometimes people are diagnosed with pre-diabetes instead of Type II Diabetes because it's more common in the population. Pre-diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or process glucose properly to regulate blood sugar, but that can be managed through diet and exercise in most cases.

Type I Diabetes is when a person cannot make any insulin at all, whereas type II might be caused by, for example, an unfortunate metabolic issue or lifestyle change like eating too many sweets or quitting smoking.

Pre-diabetic refers to a person who has blood sugar levels that qualify him or her as "pre-high blood glucose" but not high enough to be considered diabetic yet. Pre-diabetes is a temporary condition in which the body starts to develop insulin resistance, and the cells of your pancreas start secreting more and more of their own insulin to avoid producing too much glucose. Eventually, this becomes counterproductive, the pancreas becomes so resistant it can't keep up with demand anymore, and type 2 diabetes occurs. However, pre-diabetes does not require any treatment because by avoiding junk food and excessive portions (and exercising) you will likely get off pre-diabetics without ever developing diabetes. Pre-diabetes is a term to describe high blood insulin levels that are on the cusp of developing type 2 diabetes but haven't yet.

Type 2 diabetes develops when cells lose their insulin receptors and cannot create enough sugar for themselves. This means the body has to produce more and more insulin in order to get glucose into any cells with remaining insulin receptors (such as muscle or fat cells). Over time, high levels of circulating hormones lead to damage in the small vessels that provide oxygen and nutrients — particularly to kidneys — putting them at risk of failure. This can happen over decades and is referred to as "insulin resistance".

The primary goal for people suffering from pre-diabetes should be lifestyle change: reduce weight. Pre-diabetic means that you are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. If you're overweight, have a family history of diabetes, develop gestational diabetes while pregnant, or if it runs in your household then pre-diabetes is more likely to progress into type 2 diabetes.

Pre-diabetic means that a patient has been diagnosed as prediabetic – that is, their blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as having diabetes. People with pre-diabetes have a greatly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. One study found that adults who had one or more characteristics of the metabolic syndrome exhibited a 46% reduction in risk for the development of diabetes over 4 years following blinded diagnosis if they took metformin therapy alone or with other agents, compared to those on placebo therapy. In addition, people with pre-metabolic syndrome specifically were found to have 89?creased risks for this development

The term pre-diabetic is typically applied to patients who have impaired glucose tolerance or who are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. A patient is considered a pre-diabetic when he or she has high blood sugar levels that may lead to progression into full-blown diabetes, called Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, but doesn't meet the diagnostic criteria for T2DM. In other words, the cells of this patient's body aren't quite as dysfunctional as those of a diabetic, yet they show signs of dysfunction. This stage falls between normal and diabetic and is sometimes referred to as prediabetes because it puts an individual at "risk" for T2DM development.

A pre-diabetic person is one who exhibits signs that they may be diabetic. The symptoms include stomach pains, frequent urination, and sudden weight loss. Pre-diabetes used to be known as age-related diabetes and are common in adults who are overweight and have high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels. Early-onset of pre-diabetes can lead to both short-term and long-term risks including heart disease, strokes, kidney failure, blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy (Eye) as well as early death for people with type 2 diabetes.

Read Blog
Is skipping breakfast harming your metabolism

Is Skipping Breakfast Harming Your Metabolism? Here’s What You Need to Know

Introduction

We've all heard the saying: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” But in our fast-paced lives, skipping breakfast has become a common habit. Whether it's due to running late, following a weight-loss plan, or simply not feeling hungry, many people routinely skip their morning meal. But have you ever stopped to think — is skipping breakfast harming your metabolism?

In this blog, we’ll explore the science behind breakfast, its impact on metabolism, and whether missing this meal can actually do more harm than good.

 

What is Metabolism?

Before we dive into the breakfast debate, let’s first understand metabolism. Metabolism refers to the chemical processes in your body that convert food into energy. This energy fuels every function in your body — from breathing and digesting to moving and thinking.

A healthy metabolism is essential for:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight

  • Proper digestion

  • Regulating body temperature

  • Hormonal balance

  • Cellular repair
     

Your metabolic rate — how fast your body burns calories — can be affected by age, genetics, physical activity, and diet.

 

The Role of Breakfast in Metabolism

Breakfast literally means "breaking the fast." After a night of sleep, your body has gone hours without food. Eating in the morning gives your metabolism a kickstart. It signals your body that it's time to get moving, burning calories and using energy.

Here’s how breakfast helps your metabolism:

  • Boosts metabolic activity early in the day.

  • Helps regulate blood sugar levels.

  • Reduces the likelihood of overeating later.

  • Supports muscle mass and overall energy levels.

  • Helps in maintaining a healthy weight over time.
     

 

Skipping Breakfast: Common Reasons

People skip breakfast for several reasons:

  • Time constraints during busy mornings

  • Lack of appetite in the morning

  • Belief that skipping breakfast leads to weight loss

  • Following intermittent fasting diets
     

While skipping a meal occasionally isn’t dangerous, making it a regular habit can have long-term effects on your health and metabolism.

 

What Happens When You Skip Breakfast?

Now let’s get to the heart of the matter — is skipping breakfast harming your metabolism?

Here's what science and experts suggest:

1. Slower Metabolism

When you skip breakfast, your body stays in "fasting mode" for longer. This may slow down your metabolism as the body tries to conserve energy.

2. Increased Cravings & Overeating

People who skip breakfast often report stronger hunger pangs later in the day. This can lead to overeating during lunch or snacking on unhealthy foods — both of which can negatively impact your metabolism.

3. Insulin Resistance

Skipping breakfast regularly may cause insulin resistance, making it harder for your body to process sugar. This increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity, both of which are linked to a sluggish metabolism.

4. Poor Energy & Concentration

A lack of morning fuel can make you feel sluggish, tired, and unfocused. Low energy levels can lead to reduced physical activity, which also slows down metabolism.

5. Disrupted Hormonal Balance

Your hormones — especially those that control hunger and metabolism like cortisol, ghrelin, and insulin — get affected when you skip meals. This imbalance may reduce your body's metabolic efficiency.

 

What Do Studies Say?

Research offers mixed results. Some studies show that skipping breakfast is associated with weight gain and metabolic issues, while others say it depends on the person’s overall diet and lifestyle.

However, most nutritionists agree: a balanced breakfast supports metabolic health and can help in managing weight more effectively.

 

Healthy Breakfast Ideas to Boost Your Metabolism

If you’re convinced to bring back breakfast into your routine, here are a few healthy and metabolism-friendly options:

  • Oats with nuts and fruits

  • Greek yogurt with berries

  • Boiled eggs and whole grain toast

  • Smoothie with spinach, banana, and protein powder

  • Upma or poha with vegetables

  • Dalia or khichdi with ghee
     

These meals are rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats — all of which keep you full and help your body burn calories more efficiently.

 

Tips to Never Skip Breakfast Again

  • Plan Ahead: Prep your breakfast the night before.
     

  • Keep It Simple: A banana and peanut butter toast is better than nothing.
     

  • Set an Alarm: Wake up 10 minutes early to make time for a quick meal.
     

  • Stay Hydrated: Sometimes, drinking water first thing in the morning can stimulate appetite.
     

  • Listen to Your Body: Eat when you're hungry, but don’t wait too long after waking up.
     

 

Conclusion

Skipping breakfast may seem like a harmless or even helpful habit, especially for those trying to lose weight or save time. However, over time, this can lead to reduced energy, poor concentration, increased cravings, and — most importantly — a sluggish metabolism.

So if you’re still asking yourself, "Is skipping breakfast harming your metabolism?", the answer is: very likely, yes.

Make time for a nutritious breakfast and give your body the healthy start it deserves. Your metabolism will thank you!

 

CTA:
Start your day right and give your body the fuel it needs — because “Is skipping breakfast harming your metabolism?” isn’t just a question; it’s a health wake-up call. Don’t skip it. Fix it!

See all

Live Doctor consultation
Live Doctor Chat

Download Our App & Get Consultation from anywhere.

App Download
call icon for mobile number calling and whatsapp at secondmedic