Type 2 diabetes rarely develops overnight. In most cases, it is preceded by a stage known as prediabetes, which can last for years without causing symptoms while already increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, vascular damage, and metabolic disorders. According to Dr. Pilar García Durruti, Head of the Endocrinology and Nutrition Department at Ruber Internacional Centro Médico Habana, part of the Quirónsalud Group, prediabetes occurs when blood glucose levels are higher than normal but have not yet reached the diagnostic threshold for diabetes. "Many people are unaware they have prediabetes because, in most cases, it does not cause any symptoms. You probably won’t know unless you have a blood test," she warns. The specialist emphasizes that this condition is far from harmless. "Even before diabetes develops, elevated blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels and increase cardiovascular risk," she explains. Seven warning signs to watch for Although prediabetes is usually silent, several factors can help identify people at higher risk. These include: Excess abdominal fat A sedentary lifestyle High blood pressure Abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels A family history of diabetes A history of gestational diabetes "Excess abdominal fat is particularly significant because it promotes insulin resistance, one of the key mechanisms involved in the development of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes," explains the endocrinologist. She recommends paying particular attention to adults over the age of 45 who are overweight, as well as younger individuals with abdominal obesity or a family history of diabetes. In these cases, a routine blood test can help detect the condition at an early stage. Women over 40: a particularly vulnerable group Dr. García Durruti points out that many women experience significant metabolic changes after the age of 40–45, coinciding with perimenopause and menopause. "The decline in estrogen levels promotes the loss of muscle mass and an increase in body fat, particularly around the abdomen. This lowers energy expenditure and makes both weight gain and metabolic disorders more likely," she explains. For this reason, she stresses the importance of incorporating regular strength training into one's routine. "Maintaining and increasing muscle mass is one of the most effective ways to protect metabolism and reduce the risk of diabetes," she adds. The good news: prediabetes can be reversed Contrary to what many people believe, prediabetes does not inevitably lead to type 2 diabetes. "The good news is that there is still time to act. Losing just 5% to 10% of body weight can already produce significant improvements in blood glucose levels and other cardiovascular risk factors," says the specialist. Alongside weight loss, regular physical activity, blood pressure control, a healthy diet, and effective stress management are the main strategies for preventing the progression of the disease. "Prediabetes can be prevented—and in many cases even reversed. The key is not to wait for symptoms to appear. Early diagnosis allows us to intervene before complications develop and to create a personalized plan for healthier metabolic aging," concludes Dr. Pilar García Durruti.