• Published on: Sep 26, 2021
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Is The Meaning Of Pre-diabetic?

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What is the meaning of pre-diabetic?

Pre-diabetes is the stage that comes before type 2 diabetes. If blood sugar levels are high but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes, then you are pre-diabetic.

A person may have pre-diabetes if they find it hard to control their blood glucose levels.

It is important to note how long you have had this condition and what your other risk factors are like such as age, history of gestational diabetes, history of cardiovascular disease, family history (genetic heritability), obesity (BMI > 30), physical inactivity.

Pre-diabetic people tend to be insulin resistant or sensitive when they're not eating anything, and the fasting level is high at 138 mg/dl and when they're drinking glucose their fasting level goes up even more and after a meal, their blood sugar goes up higher than 140 mg/dl at least two times in 225.

Someone affected by pre-diabetes has an impaired ability to produce insulin, which is necessary to regulate glucose levels. This could lead to high blood sugar over time. People who are pre-diabetic may suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), normal aging or another illness that causes the pancreas to fail to work properly. A person suffering from pre-diabetes is suffering from high blood sugar levels. A person suffering from diabetes not Type 1 is suffering from high blood sugar levels.

Sometimes people are diagnosed with pre-diabetes instead of Type II Diabetes because it's more common in the population. Pre-diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or process glucose properly to regulate blood sugar, but that can be managed through diet and exercise in most cases.

Type I Diabetes is when a person cannot make any insulin at all, whereas type II might be caused by, for example, an unfortunate metabolic issue or lifestyle change like eating too many sweets or quitting smoking.

Pre-diabetic refers to a person who has blood sugar levels that qualify him or her as "pre-high blood glucose" but not high enough to be considered diabetic yet. Pre-diabetes is a temporary condition in which the body starts to develop insulin resistance, and the cells of your pancreas start secreting more and more of their own insulin to avoid producing too much glucose. Eventually, this becomes counterproductive, the pancreas becomes so resistant it can't keep up with demand anymore, and type 2 diabetes occurs. However, pre-diabetes does not require any treatment because by avoiding junk food and excessive portions (and exercising) you will likely get off pre-diabetics without ever developing diabetes. Pre-diabetes is a term to describe high blood insulin levels that are on the cusp of developing type 2 diabetes but haven't yet.

Type 2 diabetes develops when cells lose their insulin receptors and cannot create enough sugar for themselves. This means the body has to produce more and more insulin in order to get glucose into any cells with remaining insulin receptors (such as muscle or fat cells). Over time, high levels of circulating hormones lead to damage in the small vessels that provide oxygen and nutrients — particularly to kidneys — putting them at risk of failure. This can happen over decades and is referred to as "insulin resistance".

The primary goal for people suffering from pre-diabetes should be lifestyle change: reduce weight. Pre-diabetic means that you are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. If you're overweight, have a family history of diabetes, develop gestational diabetes while pregnant, or if it runs in your household then pre-diabetes is more likely to progress into type 2 diabetes.

Pre-diabetic means that a patient has been diagnosed as prediabetic – that is, their blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as having diabetes. People with pre-diabetes have a greatly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. One study found that adults who had one or more characteristics of the metabolic syndrome exhibited a 46% reduction in risk for the development of diabetes over 4 years following blinded diagnosis if they took metformin therapy alone or with other agents, compared to those on placebo therapy. In addition, people with pre-metabolic syndrome specifically were found to have 89?creased risks for this development

The term pre-diabetic is typically applied to patients who have impaired glucose tolerance or who are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. A patient is considered a pre-diabetic when he or she has high blood sugar levels that may lead to progression into full-blown diabetes, called Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, but doesn't meet the diagnostic criteria for T2DM. In other words, the cells of this patient's body aren't quite as dysfunctional as those of a diabetic, yet they show signs of dysfunction. This stage falls between normal and diabetic and is sometimes referred to as prediabetes because it puts an individual at "risk" for T2DM development.

A pre-diabetic person is one who exhibits signs that they may be diabetic. The symptoms include stomach pains, frequent urination, and sudden weight loss. Pre-diabetes used to be known as age-related diabetes and are common in adults who are overweight and have high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels. Early-onset of pre-diabetes can lead to both short-term and long-term risks including heart disease, strokes, kidney failure, blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy (Eye) as well as early death for people with type 2 diabetes.

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Telemedicine Platform Comparison India: Evaluating the Best Digital Healthcare Providers

Telemedicine Platform Comparison India: Evaluating the Best Digital Healthcare Providers

Telemedicine has transformed the healthcare landscape in India by making medical services more accessible, affordable, and patient-friendly. With growing smartphone usage, improved internet penetration, and digital health adoption under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), teleconsultation platforms have become a primary mode of healthcare for millions. But with multiple platforms available, choosing the right one requires a proper telemedicine platform comparison India.

This blog provides a detailed comparison of India’s leading telemedicine providers and evaluates what sets SecondMedic apart in terms of accessibility, specialist availability, user experience, and overall digital healthcare value.

Why Telemedicine Is Growing Rapidly in India

The demand for digital healthcare platforms is driven by:

  • Busy lifestyles limiting hospital visits
     

  • Rising chronic diseases needing follow-ups
     

  • Rural populations needing specialist access
     

  • Post-pandemic digital health acceptance
     

  • Cost efficiency
     

  • Faster access to care
     

According to Statista, the telemedicine market size in India is increasing significantly, driven by digital transformation and patient willingness to adopt virtual care.

Key Parameters for Comparing Telemedicine Platforms

When comparing telemedicine platforms, users should evaluate the following:

1. Doctor Availability

The range of specialists available-cardiology, dermatology, pediatrics, gynecology, orthopedics, etc.-is crucial.

2. Pricing and Consultation Fees

Costs vary significantly between platforms. Affordable, transparent pricing determines long-term usability.

3. User Interface (UI/UX)

The platform must be easy to navigate, especially for elderly patients.

4. Appointment Wait Time

Faster access to doctors enhances the value of telemedicine.

5. E-Prescriptions

Availability of legal, digital prescriptions is essential for seamless continuity of care.

6. Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Platforms offering unified records improve patient experience.

7. Service Range

A good telemedicine platform should provide:

  • Teleconsultations
     

  • Second opinions
     

  • Remote monitoring
     

  • Home diagnostics
     

  • Preventive health packages
     

SecondMedic is one of the few platforms offering this full ecosystem.

Comparison of Major Telemedicine Platforms in India

1. SecondMedic

Specialties: Full range including cardiology, dermatology, neurology
Strengths:

  • Instant teleconsultation
     

  • Online specialist access
     

  • Remote monitoring tools
     

  • Second opinion services
     

  • Preventive health packages
     

  • Strong chronic care management
     

  • Patient-first experience
     

  • Easy EHR access
    Best For: Those wanting comprehensive digital healthcare

     

 

2. Practo

Strengths:

  • Wide doctor network
     

  • Pharmacy integration
     

  • Lab test bookings
    Limitations:

     

  • Higher consultation fees
     

  • Variable doctor response times
     

 

3. Apollo 24/7

Strengths:

  • Strong specialist network
     

  • Integration with Apollo hospitals
    Limitations:

     

  • High cost
     

  • Limited remote monitoring features
     

 

4. Tata 1mg

Strengths:

  • Affordable consultations
     

  • Pharmacy + lab tests
    Limitations:

     

  • Limited specialist variety
     

  • Heavy focus on diagnostics and medicines rather than telemedicine
     

 

5. MFine

Strengths:

  • Good specialist availability
     

  • Partner-hospital model
    Limitations:

     

  • Service coverage varies
     

  • Less personalized care
     

 

This comparison shows that while multiple telemedicine platforms serve specific needs, SecondMedic provides a more integrated healthcare experience connecting consultations, preventive care, and chronic disease management.

What Makes SecondMedic Stand Out

1. Comprehensive Specialty Coverage

From general physicians to cardiologists, dermatologists, neurologists, endocrinologists, and pediatricians, SecondMedic covers major medical specialties.

2. Strong Chronic Disease Management

Continuous monitoring and scheduled check-ins help manage long-term conditions effectively.

3. Online Second Opinions

Patients needing specialist reassessment benefit from high-quality second opinions from top doctors.

4. Remote Monitoring Ecosystem

Compatible with digital ECGs, glucometers, BP monitors, and other wearable tools.

5. Affordable and Transparent Pricing

SecondMedic offers cost-effective consultations without hidden charges.

6. Easy-to-Use Interface

Designed for all age groups with minimal complexity.

7. Integration with Preventive Health Packages

Users can also book diagnostics, screenings, and wellness plans.

Importance of EHR in Telemedicine Platform Comparison India

Electronic Health Records improve:

  • Safety
     

  • Accuracy
     

  • Convenience
     

  • Treatment continuity
     

SecondMedic’s EHR system is aligned with ABDM guidelines, making health data secure and portable.

User Experience and Accessibility

A good telemedicine platform must offer:

  • Multilingual support
     

  • Low-bandwidth compatibility
     

  • Easy appointment scheduling
     

  • Quick report upload
     

SecondMedic excels in offering a smooth, user-friendly experience.

Future of Telemedicine Platforms in India

The next evolution includes:

  • AI-assisted triage
     

  • Wearable tech integration
     

  • Predictive health alerts
     

  • Virtual healthcare kiosks
     

  • Full ABDM interoperability
     

SecondMedic is aligning with these innovations to build the next-generation digital healthcare ecosystem.

Conclusion

Telemedicine platform comparison India reveals that while several platforms offer strong digital health services, SecondMedic stands out due to its integrated care model, specialist availability, chronic disease support, remote monitoring tools, and preventive healthcare programs. For patients seeking a complete, reliable, and patient-centric telemedicine experience, SecondMedic remains a top choice.

To explore telemedicine services, visit www.secondmedic.com

 

References

  • NITI Aayog - Telemedicine guidelines for India
     

  • Statista - Telemedicine adoption and market size
     

  • ABDM - Digital health mission framework
     

  • WHO - Teleconsultation standards
     

  • IMARC - Digital health ecosystem growth
     

  • SecondMedic platform insights

See all

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