How is pre-diabetes primarily identified based on fasting plasma glucose?

Pre-diabetes is primarily identified through a fasting plasma glucose (FPG) measurement that falls within the range of 100 to 125 mg/dL. This range indicates that while the individual's blood glucose levels are elevated compared to normal fasting levels, they are not yet high enough to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of diabetes, which requires an FPG of 126 mg/dL or higher.

The criteria established by the American Diabetes Association classify less than 100 mg/dL as normal fasting glucose levels, while 100 to 125 mg/dL serves as a warning signal, indicating insulin resistance and a risk for developing type 2 diabetes if lifestyle changes are not made. Recognizing this range is important in the context of preventive strategies and early interventions that can help manage or reverse pre-diabetes and lower the risk of progression to diabetes.

In this context, values such as 126 or higher indicate a diagnosis of diabetes, and a fasting plasma glucose of 800 or above is not clinically relevant for pre-diabetes and is typically associated with severe hyperglycemia, presenting a medical emergency.