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  1. UAMS Health
  2. Conditions
  3. Prediabetes

Condition: Prediabetes

In the United States, while 30.3 million children and adults have diabetes, another 84.1 million adults have prediabetes – this is more than 1 in 3 adults in the US.  In prediabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be defined as diabetes.

9 of 10 people with prediabetes do not realize they have it.

Prediabetes increases your risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Causes of Prediabetes

There is not a single cause of prediabetes.  There are many genetic, social, and environmental factors that play a role.  While you can inherit a tendency to develop the condition, excessive weight gain and/or physical inactivity can increase your risk

Risk Factors and Symptoms for Prediabetes

Risk factors for prediabetes include but are not limited to the following:

  • Age – those 45 or older are at a higher risk
  • Family history of diabetes
  • Being overweight (body mass index of >25 kg/m2 or >23 kg/m2 in Asian Americans)
  • Physical inactivity
  • Race and ethnicity – African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and American Indians are at a higher risk
  • History of gestational diabetes
  • History of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
  • A low HDL level
  • A high triglyceride level

Most commonly, individuals with prediabetes experience no symptoms or only very mild ones.  As glucose levels rise, symptoms can mimic those of type 2 diabetes.  These include but are not limited to:

  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Weight loss despite not adhering to a strict diet or exercise regimen
  • Frequent bladder or skin infections
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Irritability and mood changes
  • Dry, itchy skin
  • Tingling or loss of feeling in the hands or feet
  • Cuts or injuries that heal slowly

Managing Your Prediabetes

Studies have shown that controlling your body weight, eating a healthy diet, and regular exercise can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by as much as 50% even in those who are genetically predisposed or have pre-diabetes.

Some people take medications such as metformin or other diabetes medications to reduce their risk of progressing to diabetes however this use of medications is considered off-label.  You should talk with your doctor to determine when starting medication is right for you.

Contents

  • Treatments & Procedures
  • Providers
  • Locations
  • Make an Appointment

Treatments and Procedures Related to Prediabetes

UAMS providers perform and prescribe a broad range of treatments and procedures, some of which may not be listed below.

  • Exercise

Providers Treating Prediabetes

Note that every provider listed below may not perform or prescribe all treatments or procedures related to Prediabetes. Review each provider for availability.

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Dinesh L. Edem, M.D.

Dinesh L. Edem, M.D. Endocrinologist

View Profile

Locations Where Providers Treat Prediabetes

Note that the treatment of Prediabetes may not be performed at every location listed below. The list may include locations where the treatment plan is developed during and after a patient visit.

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Exterior of Outpatient Center

Endocrinology Clinic

4110 Outpatient Circle
Outpatient Center
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
501-296-1220
New and Returning Patients
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Family Medical Center, North Central

Family Medical Center in Batesville

1993 Harrison St.
Batesville, AR 72501

Appointment Phone Number
870-793-2540
New and Returning Patients
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UAMS Northwest exterior (FMC sign)

Family Medical Center in Fayetteville

1125 N. College Ave.
Fayetteville, AR 72703

Appointment Phone Number
479-521-8260
New and Returning Patients
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Family Medical Center in Fort Smith

1301 S. E St.
Fort Smith, AR 72901

Appointment Phone Number
479-785-2431
New and Returning Patients
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UAMS Family Medical Center, East

Family Medical Center in Helena

1393 Highway 242 South
Helena, AR 72342

Appointment Phone Number
870-572-6507
New and Returning Patients
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UAMS Northeast building exterior

Family Medical Center in Jonesboro

311 E. Matthews St.
Jonesboro, AR 72401

Appointment Phone Number
870-972-0063
New and Returning Patients
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Exterior of Family Medical Center - Little Rock

Family Medical Center in Little Rock

521 Jack Stephens Drive
First floor
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
501-686-6560
New and Returning Patients
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Family Medical Center - Magnolia

Family Medical Center in Magnolia

1617 N. Washington St.
Magnolia, AR 71753

Appointment Phone Number
870-234-7676
New and Returning Patients
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Family Medical Center, Pine Bluff

Family Medical Center in Pine Bluff

1601 W. 40th Ave.
Pine Bluff, AR 71603

Appointment Phone Number
870-541-6000
New and Returning Patients
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NW Hospital exterior

Family Medical Center in Springdale

601 W. Maple Ave.
Suite 102
Springdale, AR 72764

Appointment Phone Number
479-750-6585
New and Returning Patients
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Exterior of UAMS Health Family Medical Center in Texarkana

Family Medical Center in Texarkana

3417 U of A Way
Texarkana, AR 71854

Appointment Phone Number
870-779-6000
New and Returning Patients
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Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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