Prediabetes Epidemiology Forecast 2025-2034

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 98 million people in The United States are living with prediabetes. Despite this high number, nearly 80% of adults remain unaware of their condition. It is generally believed that most individuals diagnosed with prediabetes are at significant risk of progressing to diabetes over time.

Prediabetes Epidemiology Forecast Report Coverage

The Prediabetes Epidemiology Forecast Report 2025-2034 delivers a comprehensive analysis of the condition’s prevalence and associated demographic factors. It projects future incidence and prevalence trends across diverse population groups, considering key variables such as age, gender, and prediabetes type. The report highlights changes in prevalence over time and offers data-driven forecasts based on influencing factors. Additionally, it provides an in-depth overview of the disease, along with historical and projected epidemiological data for eight key markets:

The United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Japan, and India.

Prediabetes:

Disease Overview

Prediabetes is a health condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. It indicates impaired glucose tolerance or fasting glucose, suggesting the body’s reduced efficiency in processing sugar. Often symptomless, prediabetes can remain undetected for years unless screened through blood tests. Without lifestyle changes, it significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Early diagnosis and management through diet, exercise, and monitoring can effectively delay or prevent progression to full diabetes.

Epidemiology Overview

The epidemiology section on prediabetes presents insights into the patient population from historical patterns to current data, along with future projections across eight major markets. The Research analyses a broad array of studies to identify both current and anticipated trends in prediabetes. The report also examines the diagnosed population and its progression over time. The data is categorised based on gender, age groups, and overall patient demographics.

• In The United States, roughly 38% of adults have prediabetes, with nearly half of those aged 65 and above affected.
• In England, prediabetes impacts about 12% of adults. Research from the Indian Council of Medical Research-India Diabetes study estimates that 136 million individuals in India are in the prediabetic stage.
• A study conducted by Liu and colleagues indicated that by 2018, around 28% of U.S. adolescents aged 12-19 had prediabetes, with a higher prevalence observed in males and those with overweight or obesity.

Prediabetes:

Treatment Overview

Managing prediabetes focuses on preventing progression to type 2 diabetes through lifestyle modifications, medications, and regular monitoring. The cornerstone of treatment involves improving insulin sensitivity and controlling blood glucose levels. Emphasis is placed on weight loss, increased physical activity, healthy eating, and, in some cases, pharmacological intervention. Early intervention is crucial for reversing prediabetes and reducing the risk of complications such as heart disease and stroke.

1. Lifestyle Modification

Lifestyle changes are the most effective and widely recommended treatment for prediabetes. Weight loss, particularly a reduction of 5-10% of body weight, significantly improves insulin sensitivity. A healthy diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables, alongside reduced intake of sugars and refined carbs, helps regulate blood glucose levels. Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking for 30 minutes most days of the week, enhances glucose metabolism. These changes not only help reverse prediabetes but also lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve overall metabolic health.

2. Metformin Therapy

Metformin is commonly prescribed for individuals with prediabetes, especially those who are overweight, younger than 60, or have a history of gestational diabetes. It works by reducing glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity. Metformin is well-tolerated and has minimal side effects, making it suitable for long-term use in managing blood sugar levels. While not a substitute for lifestyle changes, it offers additional protection for high-risk patients and can delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes, particularly when lifestyle efforts alone are insufficient.

3. Behavioural Counselling and Support

Behavioural counselling provide structured support to help individuals adopt and maintain lifestyle changes. Trained professionals, such as dietitians or health coaches, guide patients in setting achievable goals, identifying barriers, and maintaining motivation. This approach improves adherence to dietary and exercise plans, addresses emotional eating or stress-related habits, and reinforces long-term commitment to health. Counselling can be delivered individually or in group settings, including Diabetes Prevention Programmes, which have shown success in reducing diabetes risk through sustained behaviour change and personalised coaching.

4. Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Regular Screening

Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels allows early detection of fluctuations and helps track progress over time. While not always necessary in prediabetes, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can benefit individuals who want a deeper understanding of how diet, stress, and activity impact glucose levels. Annual screenings, including fasting glucose and HbA1c tests, are vital to assess disease progression or reversal. These measures empower individuals to make informed decisions and enable healthcare providers to adjust treatment strategies proactively.

5. Bariatric Surgery (for High-Risk Individuals)

In cases of severe obesity where lifestyle modifications and medications have not achieved desired results, bariatric surgery may be considered. Procedures such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy help reduce weight and improve insulin sensitivity dramatically. Studies show that bariatric surgery can lead to remission of prediabetes and prevent progression to type 2 diabetes. It is typically reserved for individuals with a BMI above 35 and comorbidities. Long-term lifestyle changes and nutritional monitoring remain essential after surgery for lasting results.

Prediabetes:

Burden Analysis

Prediabetes imposes a growing health burden globally, significantly impacting individuals’ quality of life and increasing healthcare costs. Though often symptomless, prediabetes is associated with heightened risks of progressing to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Individuals may experience fatigue, mood fluctuations, and reduced energy levels, affecting daily productivity and emotional well-being. The psychological stress of managing a chronic condition and lifestyle adjustments can also lead to anxiety or depression. Economically, increased medical check-ups, medications, and indirect costs due to reduced work efficiency amplify the societal burden. Early intervention is crucial to prevent complications and preserve long-term health and functionality.

Key Epidemiology Trends

1. Rising Incidence in Younger Populations

Recent years have seen a noticeable increase in the prevalence of prediabetes among adolescents and young adults. Sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and increased screen time have contributed to higher insulin resistance in younger demographics. This trend signals a shift from prediabetes, being a condition mainly observed in middle-aged or elderly individuals, to affecting people in their teens and twenties. Early onset of prediabetes increases the likelihood of developing full-blown type 2 diabetes and related complications at a much earlier stage in life, placing a long-term burden on healthcare systems.

2. Urbanisation and Lifestyle Shifts Driving Higher Prevalence

The global trend towards urbanisation has resulted in significant lifestyle changes, such as decreased physical activity and higher consumption of fast food and sugary beverages. These urban lifestyle factors are associated with increased rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome, both of which are major risk factors for prediabetes. Populations in rapidly urbanising regions are particularly vulnerable, as economic development often precedes adequate public health measures. This epidemiological trend highlights the importance of urban health planning and community-based interventions aimed at promoting healthier habits.

3. Gender Disparities in Prediabetes Risk

Studies have begun to highlight notable gender differences in the prevalence and progression of prediabetes. In many regions, men have shown a higher risk of developing prediabetes due to factors such as abdominal obesity and lower engagement in preventive healthcare services. Women, on the other hand, often face unique challenges such as gestational diabetes, which increases their likelihood of developing prediabetes later in life. These disparities underline the need for gender-specific screening and prevention strategies tailored to physiological and behavioural risk profiles.

4. Influence of Socioeconomic Status on Prediabetes Burden

Socioeconomic status plays a crucial role in the distribution of prediabetes. Individuals from lower-income backgrounds often have limited access to nutritious food, safe environments for exercise, and healthcare services. Consequently, these populations are at a greater risk of both developing and remaining undiagnosed with prediabetes. The trend reveals the influence of social determinants on metabolic health and underlines the need for public health policies that ensure equitable access to prevention and care resources.

5. Ethnic and Regional Variations in Prevalence

Ethnicity and geographic location significantly impact prediabetes prevalence. Certain ethnic groups have been observed to have a genetic predisposition to insulin resistance, making them more susceptible to developing prediabetes even at lower body mass indexes. Moreover, regional dietary patterns, cultural habits, and healthcare access also contribute to the differences in incidence. These variations necessitate region- and ethnicity-specific health education campaigns, screening efforts, and intervention programmes to effectively manage the growing burden of prediabetes across diverse communities.

Analysis By Region

The epidemiology of prediabetes varies across countries and regions due to differences in healthcare infrastructure, socioeconomic factors, cultural attitudes towards pain, and access to pain management therapies. Understanding these variations is essential for developing targeted interventions and improving patient outcomes.

Key regions include:

• The United States
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• The United Kingdom
• Japan
• India

These regions exhibit distinct epidemiological trends, reflecting the unique challenges and opportunities within their healthcare systems.

The epidemiological patterns of prediabetes differ from one country to another due to various factors such as genetic susceptibility, dietary habits, physical activity levels, healthcare availability, and public awareness. Nations where processed foods, sugary beverages, and high-fat diets are commonly consumed tend to report a greater prevalence of prediabetes. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 98 million individuals in The United States are affected by prediabetes, with a significant proportion-around 80% of adults-remaining unaware of their condition.

Key Questions Answered

• What are the primary environmental and genetic factors influencing the incidence of this disease across different regions?
• How does the prevalence of this condition vary among different age groups and sexes?
• What role do socioeconomic conditions play in the distribution and burden of this disease?
• How has the incidence rate of the disease evolved over the past decade globally and regionally?
• Are there any seasonal or geographic patterns observed in the transmission or onset of this condition?
• How does access to healthcare services impact early detection and management of the disease?
• What are the most common comorbidities associated with this disease, and how do they affect epidemiological outcomes?
• How do cultural behaviours and dietary habits contribute to the prevalence and severity of the condition?
• What trends have emerged in urban versus rural populations regarding disease occurrence and progression?
• What preventive strategies have shown effectiveness in reducing disease incidence in high-risk populations?

Scope of the Report

• The report covers a detailed analysis of signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment options, and classification/types of prediabetes based on several factors.
• The prediabetes epidemiology forecast report covers data for the eight major markets (the US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Japan, and India)
• The report helps to identify the patient population, the unmet needs of prediabetes are highlighted along with an assessment of the disease's risk and burden.