What To Do If Your Blood Test Shows Pre-Diabetes

Many Australians first discover pre-diabetes after a routine blood test. The report may show a borderline HbA1c or slightly raised fasting glucose, and the GP may say: “Your sugars are a bit high- you need lifestyle changes.”
Most people then ask the same question: What exactly should I do now?

Pre-diabetes is a warning stage-  but also a powerful opportunity. Research shows that early lifestyle action can significantly reduce the risk of progression to type 2 diabetes. This guide explains practical, evidence-based next steps for Australians who have just received a pre-diabetes result.

What Pre-Diabetes Means in Blood Test Terms

Pre-diabetes usually appears as one or more of the following:

• HbA1c in borderline range

• Fasting glucose above normal

• Impaired glucose tolerance test result

It means your body is developing insulin resistance - glucose is not being handled efficiently- but the condition is often still reversible with structured lifestyle intervention.

Large diabetes prevention trials have shown that lifestyle change can reduce progression risk by up to 60% in high-risk individuals.

Step 1-  Confirm and Understand Your Numbers

Do not panic - but do clarify.

Ask your GP:

• What is my HbA1c value?

• What is my fasting glucose?

• Am I in pre-diabetes range or just above normal?

• Should I repeat the test?

• Do I have other risk factors (weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, family history)?

Write the numbers down. Tracking trends matters more than one isolated reading.

Step 2 - Start With Weight and Waist, Not Only Sugar

Research shows that modest weight reduction - even 5–7% -  significantly improves insulin sensitivity.

More important than weight alone:

• Waist circumference

• Visceral fat

• Muscle mass

• Physical inactivity

Early fat loss around the abdomen produces measurable glucose improvement.

Step 3 - Fix the First Two Meals of the Day

Post-meal glucose spikes drive progression.

High-impact changes:

Breakfast

• Add protein

• Reduce refined carbs

• Avoid sweet drinks

• Avoid bakery items

Lunch

• Half vegetables

• Quarter protein

• Quarter slow carbs

• Eat protein first where possible

Meal order affects glucose response - protein and fiber before carbs reduces spikes.

Step 4- Use the Post-Meal Walking Method

Multiple controlled studies show that 10–15 minutes of walking after meals reduces glucose spikes more effectively than a single longer workout later.

Start with:

• Walk after lunch

• Walk after dinner

• Even slow walking counts

This is one of the simplest and most research-supported tools in pre-diabetes management.

Step 5- Improve Sleep Before Adding Extreme Diets

Sleep restriction increases insulin resistance within days.

Targets:

• 7+ hours sleep

• Regular timing

• Reduce late meals

• Reduce night screen exposure

Sleep is a metabolic regulator -  not optional.

Step 6 - Reduce Liquid Sugar Completely

Immediate eliminations:

• Fruit juice

• Sugary coffee drinks

• Soft drinks

• Energy drinks

• Sweetened smoothies

Liquid sugar produces rapid glucose rise without satiety benefit.

Step 7 - Check Medication and Medical Factors

Discuss with your GP:

• Steroid use

• Thyroid status

• PCOS

• Sleep apnea

• Blood pressure medicines

• Cholesterol medicines

Some medical factors influence glucose control.

Step 8 - Build Muscle, Not Just Do Cardio

Strength training improves insulin sensitivity independently of weight loss.

Minimum target:

• 2–3 resistance sessions per week

• Bodyweight or light weights are enough to start

Muscle acts as a glucose sink.

Step 9 - Get Structured Lifestyle Guidance Early

People who receive structured education and accountability improve faster than those trying random diet changes.

Structured support includes:

• Meal pattern planning

• Label reading training

• Supermarket guidance

• Glucose response education

• Habit tracking

• Prevention strategy

Early guidance prevents trial-and-error fatigue.

When To Seek Pre-Diabetes Lifestyle Support

Consider support if:

• HbA1c is rising

• Weight is increasing

• Family history exists

• Motivation is inconsistent

• You feel confused about food advice

• You want prevention without medication first

Pre-diabetes is the best stage to intervene.

For research-based lifestyle and pre-diabetes support articles:
0435 195 786
www.healzeal.com

For appointments and consultations:
www.healzeal.com.au

Ask your GP about a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) referral and contact HealZeal for lifestyle and pre-diabetes prevention support - or call us directly on 0435 195 786.