Diabetes & prediabetes
Understand your numbers, care for your feet, and recognize glucose changes that need help.
Read your HbA1c
It reflects average glucose over about three months. These ranges apply to nonpregnant adults.
These diagnostic ranges are not treatment targets and do not remove an existing diabetes diagnosis. Laboratory testing and usually confirmation are needed. Pregnancy, anaemia, haemoglobin disorders, blood loss/transfusion, and some kidney conditions may affect accuracy.
Where would you like to start?
Understanding diabetes and prediabetes
It reflects average glucose over about three months. These ranges apply to nonpregnant adults.
Everyday diabetes care
Small daily steps, with treatment and monitoring suited to your needs.
Follow-up and concerning glucose changes
Regular checks matter, and some symptoms require immediate action.
Can blood sugar be high without obvious symptoms?
Choose an answer to see the explanation.
Let's make it clearer.
Does prediabetes always become diabetes?
No. Sustained changes in eating, activity, and weight can prevent or delay diabetes. Repeat testing remains important, and annual diabetes testing is generally recommended for people with prediabetes.
Does everyone with type 2 diabetes need a continuous glucose monitor?
It is not required for everyone. The type and frequency of home monitoring depend on treatment, the risk of low glucose, and expected benefit. Your care team can discuss the appropriate approach.
Sources & content information
Source check: 6 September 2026. General patient education for clinician review. Illustrations are conceptual and are not diagnostic images.
- NIDDK: Symptoms and Causes of Diabetes
- NIDDK: Diabetes Tests and Diagnosis
- CDC: Prediabetes and Prevention
- NIDDK: Healthy Living with Diabetes
- NIDDK: Managing Diabetes
- CDC: Steps to Help You Stay Healthy with Diabetes
- CDC: Your Feet and Diabetes
- CDC: Your Diabetes Care Schedule
- NHS: Low Blood Sugar
- CDC: Diabetic Ketoacidosis
- American Diabetes Association: Diagnosis and Classification, Standards of Care 2026
- CDC: A1C Test for Diabetes and Prediabetes