Insulin Resistance vs Prediabetes: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to blood sugar and metabolic health, two terms often come up in conversation: Insulin resistance vs Prediabetes. While they’re closely related, they are not the same thing. Understanding the difference can help you take the right steps to prevent type 2 diabetes and support your overall health.
Read more about Insulin Resistance 101: Warning Signs, Root Causes, and How to Heal It
What Is Insulin Resistance?
Insulin resistance occurs when your cells stop responding effectively to insulin, the hormone that helps your body absorb glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream. When this happens, your pancreas produces more insulin to try to keep your blood sugar levels normal. Over time, this extra effort can wear out the pancreas, leading to higher blood sugar levels.
Signs of insulin resistance may include:
- Fatigue after eating
- Sugar cravings
- Difficulty losing weight (especially belly fat)
- Elevated fasting insulin levels
- Skin changes like dark patches (acanthosis nigricans)
You can have insulin resistance for years without knowing it — it often has no clear symptoms at first.
What Is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes is a medical condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. It’s often the result of ongoing insulin resistance.
A diagnosis of prediabetes typically includes:
- Fasting blood glucose: 100–125 mg/dL (5.6–6.9 mmol/L)
- HbA1c: 5.7–6.4%
- Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): 140–199 mg/dL after 2 hours
Prediabetes is your body’s warning sign. Without lifestyle changes, about 15–30% of people with prediabetes develop type 2 diabetes within five years.
The Key Difference: Insulin Resistance vs Prediabetes
- Insulin resistance is a condition where your body doesn’t respond properly to insulin.
- Prediabetes is a clinical diagnosis that often results from prolonged insulin resistance and indicates rising blood sugar levels.
Think of insulin resistance as the underlying engine, and prediabetes as the warning light on the dashboard.
Can You Reverse Them?
Yes — the good news is that both insulin resistance and prediabetes can often be reversed or managed with lifestyle changes, especially in the early stages.
Steps that help:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Check Easy 7-Day Meal Plan for Insulin Resistance
- Reduce added sugar and refined carbohydrates
- Exercise regularly (both aerobic and strength training)
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get quality sleep
- Manage stress. Find out about Stress, Sleep, and Insulin Resistance: The Connection
Final Thoughts
Insulin resistance and prediabetes are both serious, but they’re also signals from your body that change is possible — and necessary. Understanding the difference is the first step toward taking control of your health and preventing type 2 diabetes.
More About Insulin Resistance
Insulin Resistance and Weight Gain: What’s the Connection?
Intermittent Fasting and Insulin Resistance
The Best and Worst Foods for Insulin Resistance
Best Supplements For Insulin Resistance
Understanding the Role of Gut Health in Insulin Resistance
