Prediabetes and diabetes risk assessment
A prediabetes check in Nagpur for people with family history, weight gain or past borderline sugars: HbA1c, glucose tests and a prevention plan.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ajay V. Kaduskar · Last reviewed 24 October 2026
- Developer note: add an interactive Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) calculator (age, waist, physical activity, family history), with the result shown as low, moderate or high risk and a "book a test" button. The calculator must state that it is a screening tool, not a diagnosis.
Prediabetes means your blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes range. In India, more people have prediabetes than diabetes. It is the stage where action pays off most: lifestyle changes started now can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes for many people.
How prediabetes is identified
- Fasting blood sugar: 100 to 125 mg/dL
- 2-hour glucose tolerance test: 140 to 199 mg/dL
- HbA1c: 5.7% to 6.4%
Are you at risk?
Answer these four questions, a simplified version of the Indian Diabetes Risk Score developed by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation:
- Are you 35 or older?
- Is your waist 90 cm or more (men), or 80 cm or more (women)?
- Do you get less than 30 minutes of physical activity on most days?
- Do one or both of your parents have diabetes?
If you answered yes to two or more, a blood sugar test is worthwhile, even if you feel well. [Developer: link to calculator]
What the risk assessment at Niramay includes
- Consultation with history and examination
- Fasting sugar, HbA1c, and a glucose tolerance test when needed
- Waist measurement and body composition analysis (fat, muscle and visceral fat)
- Blood pressure, cholesterol and liver tests if indicated
- A practical prevention plan with our nutritionist
What helps
- Losing 5% to 7% of body weight, if overweight, lowers the risk of progressing to diabetes
- At least 150 minutes of brisk walking or similar activity per week, plus some strength exercise
- Fewer refined carbohydrates and sugary drinks; more vegetables, pulses and protein
- Regular sleep, and attention to stress
- Re-testing every year
When to get tested sooner
Do not wait if your fasting sugar has ever come back borderline or high, you have a parent or sibling with diabetes, you had diabetes in a previous pregnancy, or you notice symptoms such as unusual thirst, frequent urination or unexplained tiredness.
When to see a doctor
Book a check if you have a parent or sibling with diabetes, a waist size above 90 cm (men) or 80 cm (women), had diabetes in pregnancy, or routinely feel very thirsty, very tired or hungry soon after meals. One abnormal reading deserves a repeat test and a plan, not panic.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Many Indians develop diabetes at a normal body weight because of fat stored around the abdomen and liver, and lower muscle mass. Waist size and family history matter.
No. Many people return to normal sugar levels with lifestyle changes. Without changes, the risk of progression over the coming years is high.
Lifestyle change is the first step. In some higher-risk situations, your doctor may discuss medicines. This is decided individually.
If your result is normal and your risk is low, testing every one to three years is usually enough. With prediabetes or ongoing risk factors, your doctor will usually repeat HbA1c or fasting sugar every 6 to 12 months.
Lifestyle change lowers the risk considerably and many people return to the normal range, but it does not fall to zero. That is why periodic testing continues even when things look good.
Sources and further reading
- ICMR–INDIAB study (The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 2023)
- Diabetes — WHO fact sheet
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