Pre-Diabetes
Pre-diabetes means your blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. It's a critical window of opportunity — with the right support, it is possible to delay or even prevent a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
Risk factors for pre-diabetes
You may be at risk if you have one or more of the following:
- A family history of type 2 diabetes
- Are above the healthy weight range for your height
- Have high blood pressure
- Have high cholesterol
- Are physically inactive
- Smoke
- Have a poor diet low in fruit and vegetables
- Weighed over 4kg at birth
- Have had gestational diabetes
- Are from a high-risk cultural background
What can I do?
As a Credentialled Diabetes Educator, I can work with you to understand your risk, make sustainable lifestyle changes, and put a plan in place to protect your long-term health. Early action makes a real difference.
Medicare rebates
You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate for consultations with a Credentialled Diabetes Educator. Ask your GP about a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan or Team Care Arrangement, which can provide rebates for up to five allied health visits per calendar year.
For fee information, please visit the Fees page.
Book a telehealth consultation today →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pre-diabetes?
Pre-diabetes means your blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. It's a signal that your body is starting to struggle with insulin, and it's a stage where lifestyle changes can have a meaningful impact on your future risk.
What are the symptoms of pre-diabetes?
Pre-diabetes often has no noticeable symptoms, which is why it's usually picked up through routine blood tests rather than how a person feels. This is why screening matters, particularly if you have risk factors such as family history, carrying extra weight, or a past history of gestational diabetes.
Can pre-diabetes be prevented from progressing to type 2 diabetes?
For many people, evidence-based lifestyle changes, such as increased physical activity, adjusted eating patterns, and modest weight loss where relevant, can meaningfully reduce the risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes. Results vary between individuals, and ongoing monitoring is still recommended.
How is pre-diabetes diagnosed?
Pre-diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests ordered by your GP, such as a fasting blood glucose test, HbA1c test, or oral glucose tolerance test. Diagnosis is confirmed by your doctor, not estimated from symptoms alone.
Do I need to see a diabetes educator if I have pre-diabetes?
A Credentialled Diabetes Educator can help you understand your results, build a realistic, individualised plan for diet and activity, and support you in making changes that fit your life, support that's often most effective at this early stage.
Is diabetes education for pre-diabetes covered by Medicare?
With a GP referral and a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, eligible patients may access Medicare-rebated allied health visits, including diabetes education, delivered by telehealth anywhere in Australia.