What's the actual diagnostic process for type 2 diabetes, and how is it different from prediabetes?

It usually comes down to a blood test measuring either A1C (your average blood sugar over about 3 months) or fasting blood glucose, sometimes confirmed with a second test. Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are diagnosed on the same type of test, just different cutoff ranges. Prediabetes sits in an elevated-but-not-yet-diabetic range, while type 2 diabetes is diagnosed once levels cross a higher threshold. It's not usually a one-symptom diagnosis; a lot of people find out through routine screening bloodwork rather than because they felt unwell. References: https://obesitycanada.ca/healthcare-professionals/adult-clinical-practice-guideline/ https://guidelines.diabetes.ca/GuideLines/media/Docs/Quick%20Reference%20Guide/2024-CPG-Quick-Reference-Guide.pdf