Many of the potential signs and symptoms of diabetes aren't specific to the disease and are often absent. Yet diabetes is easy for doctors to spot. A blood test shows if your glucose is normal, prediabetic or diabetic. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce complications, such as damage to the heart, eyes, kidneys, nerves or feet.

People with prediabetes can often take steps, like exercise and weight management to avoid the condition entirely. AACE recommends screening all pregnant women, and annually screening anyone age 30 and older who has a risk factor for diabetes. This includes those who:

• are inactive or overweight
• have high blood pressure, cholesterol problems or heart disease
• have a family history of diabetes
• have had a big baby
• are of African, Hispanic, Native American, Pacific Islander or Asian descent

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