Prediabetes in Malaysia: Risk Factors, Tests and What to Do Next
Prediabetes means your blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes range. It often causes no obvious symptoms. The good news is that early action - including healthier eating, regular physical activity, weight management when appropriate, and regular follow-up testing to monitor your blood sugar - can help manage prediabetes and lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In some people, blood sugar levels may return to below the prediabetes range, but ongoing monitoring remains important. [4–9]
What is prediabetes?
Prediabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. It is associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and may also be associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. [4–8]
Prediabetes is not the same as diabetes, and it does not mean that type 2 diabetes is inevitable. Instead, it provides an opportunity to take early action and make positive changes to support your health. [7–9]
How do I know if I have prediabetes?
Prediabetes often has no obvious symptoms, so risk assessment and blood testing are more useful than waiting for “early signs.” If you develop symptoms such as frequent urination, unusual thirst or unexplained weight loss, seek medical assessment, as these can occur with diabetes. [6, 8, 9]
You may have a higher risk if one or more of the following apply:
- You are overweight or obese.
- A parent or sibling has type 2 diabetes.
- You have high blood pressure or other cardiovascular risk factors.
- You are not regularly physically active.
- You have a history of gestational diabetes.
- You have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or another condition linked with insulin resistance.
- Your risk increases with age, although age is not the only factor to consider.
Screening may be recommended based on factors such as age, body weight, family history, medical conditions and other risk factors for diabetes. A healthcare professional can help assess your individual risk and advise whether blood glucose testing is appropriate. [5, 6]
How is prediabetes checked?
Several blood tests may be used to assess blood glucose levels. These include fasting plasma glucose, a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and HbA1c. Each test measures blood glucose in a different way, and results should be interpreted according to the appropriate clinical guideline and individual circumstances. [5, 6, 8]
| Test | What does it measure? |
|---|---|
| Fasting plasma glucose | Measures your blood glucose after a period of fasting. |
| 2-hour OGTT | Measures how your blood glucose changes after drinking a standard glucose drink. |
| HbA1c | Provides an indication of your average blood glucose level over the past 3 months. |
What can I do if I have prediabetes?
Start with small, practical changes that you can maintain over time. Healthy eating, regular physical activity and weight management where appropriate are important parts of managing prediabetes. Regular follow-up is also important to monitor changes in your blood sugar. [2–5, 7, 9]
Build a balanced plate
Include a variety of vegetables and fruit, whole grains or other carbohydrate foods, and suitable protein choices such as fish, chicken, eggs, tofu or legumes. The Malaysian “Quarter-Quarter-Half” approach can be used as a practical guide to portioning these food groups at mealtimes. [2, 3]
Cut back on sugary drinks and sweets
You may not need to completely avoid sugar. Instead, limit sweetened drinks, sweets, pastries and other foods high in added sugar. Choose plain water more often, and enjoy fruit in appropriate portions when you want something sweet. If you are unsure how to adjust your diet, speak to a healthcare professional for advice that suits your individual needs. [2, 3]
Set suitable weight and follow-up goals
If you are overweight or obese, even modest weight loss may be beneficial. Diabetes prevention programmes commonly aim for about 5-7% weight loss for adults at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Speak to a healthcare professional to discuss a weight-management goal that is appropriate for you. [7–9]
If you have prediabetes, regular follow-up testing is important. How often you need to be tested may vary based on your individual risk, so discuss an appropriate follow-up plan with a healthcare professional. [7, 8]
How can blood sugar levels change with prediabetes?
With prediabetes, blood sugar levels may change over time. In some people, they may return to levels below the prediabetes range. Healthy eating, regular physical activity, weight management where appropriate, and regular follow-up are important parts of managing prediabetes. [7, 8]
When should I get medical advice?
Speak with a healthcare professional if a screening result is outside the expected range, if you have several risk factors for diabetes, or if you develop symptoms such as frequent urination, unusual thirst or unexplained weight loss. [6, 8]
How can a BIG pharmacist help?
A BIG pharmacist can provide information about prediabetes, discuss practical lifestyle changes, and advise when further assessment by a doctor may be appropriate.
If you are unsure about your diabetes risk, blood glucose monitoring or the next step after an abnormal screening result, visit your nearest BIG Pharmacy and speak with a pharmacist.
Bottom line
Prediabetes is a sign that your blood sugar is higher than normal, but it does not mean that you will definitely develop type 2 diabetes. Understanding your risk, having appropriate follow-up when needed, and building healthy habits can help you manage prediabetes. Focus on practical changes you can maintain, such as balanced portions, fibre-rich foods, fewer sugary drinks, regular physical activity, weight management where appropriate, and regular follow-up. [2, 3, 7, 8]
Speak with a BIG pharmacist
A BIG pharmacist can help you understand prediabetes risk factors, discuss practical lifestyle changes and advise when an abnormal result or your individual risk should be assessed by a doctor.
Find your nearest BIG Pharmacy →Useful resources
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general health education and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Prediabetes cut-offs and follow-up plans can vary by guideline and individual circumstances. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional for interpretation of your results and personalised recommendations.
Frequently asked questions about prediabetes
Does prediabetes have symptoms?
Is prediabetes the same as diabetes?
Can young adults get prediabetes?
View references 9 sources
- CARiNG Pharmacy. No Sugarcoating: Facts about Prediabetes. Original published editorial source used for this BIG Pharmacy article update. Source
- Malaysian Dietitians’ Association. Medical Nutrition Therapy Guidelines for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. 2nd ed. Ministry of Health Malaysia; 2013.
- National Coordinating Committee on Food and Nutrition. Malaysian Dietary Guidelines. 3rd ed. Ministry of Health Malaysia; 2021.
- National Diabetes Institute. A Guide for People with Prediabetes. Malaysia: National Diabetes Institute. Source
- Ministry of Health Malaysia. Clinical Practice Guidelines: Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. 6th ed. 2020. Accessed September 2026. Source
- American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee for Diabetes. Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026. Diabetes Care. 2026;49(Suppl 1):S27-S49. doi:10.2337/dc26-S002. Accessed September 2026. Source
- American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee for Diabetes. Prevention or Delay of Diabetes and Associated Comorbidities: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026. Diabetes Care. 2026;49(Suppl 1). Accessed September 2026. Source
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Insulin Resistance & Prediabetes. Last reviewed March 2025. Accessed September 2026. Source
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prediabetes – Your Chance to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes. Updated 26 December 2024. Accessed September 2026. Source
