Abstract

Different dysglycemic states precede overt type 2 diabetes. Prediabetic dysglycemia also carries an increased cardiovascular risk per se. Prediabetic dysglycemia may be divided into impaired fasting glycemia, impaired glucose tolerance and intermediate hyperglycemia. Mixed forms of these are very common. Dysglycemia develops insidiously for many years and usually produces no symptoms until very late. It is possible to prevent prediabetic dysglycemia from progressing to manifest type 2 diabetes and it can also be made to return to normoglycemia. The importance of lifestyle interventions, pharmacological treatment, surgical treatment and community efforts are discussed.

Keywords: Prediabetic dysglycemia, insulin, impaired glucose tolerance, normoglycemia, dysmetabolic syndrome, cardiovascular risk