Question 1

How is this different from the Diabetes Panel?

Accepted Answer

[Diabetes Screening Panel](/tests/diabetes-screening-panel) at $59 has 3 tests (A1c, Glucose, Insulin) — for initial screening. Pre-Diabetes Panel adds [C-Peptide](/tests/c-peptide-test) (how much insulin your pancreas is actually making) and a [Lipid Panel](/tests/lipid-panel) — capturing pancreatic reserve and the dyslipidemia that travels with insulin resistance and drives progression to T2D.

Question 2

What can reverse prediabetes?

Accepted Answer

Lifestyle interventions are highly effective at the prediabetic stage: 5-10% weight loss, 150+ min/week of moderate exercise, low-carb or Mediterranean diet, and adequate sleep can reverse prediabetes in 50-70% of cases. Metformin reduces progression by ~30%. Newer GLP-1 medications (semaglutide, tirzepatide) reverse it in even higher percentages.

Question 3

Why include C-Peptide in a prediabetes panel?

Accepted Answer

[C-Peptide](/tests/c-peptide-test) is released in equal amounts to insulin, so it shows how much insulin your pancreas is actually producing. Early in insulin resistance it runs high (the pancreas compensating); as beta-cell function declines toward type 2 diabetes it falls. It adds a pancreatic-reserve dimension that A1c and glucose alone can't capture.

Question 4

How much does the Pre-Diabetes Panel cost without insurance?

Accepted Answer

On TestWell, the Pre-Diabetes Panel is $89.99. Ordering the same tests separately would be about $140. Quest Direct lists comparable bundles at $180, walk-in hospital labs typically bill $400-600 for the same biomarkers without insurance.

Question 5

Do I need to fast?

Accepted Answer

Yes — 9-12 hours of fasting (water only) for accurate Fasting Glucose, Fasting Insulin, [Lipid Panel](/tests/lipid-panel), and [ALT](/tests/alt) results.

Question 6

Should I add C-peptide?

Accepted Answer

If insulin is markedly elevated, yes — C-peptide confirms endogenous insulin production. For routine prediabetes screening, this panel is sufficient. C-peptide becomes more useful when distinguishing T1 from T2 or when investigating hypoglycemia.

Question 7

How often should I retest?

Accepted Answer

Every 3-6 months while actively intervening (diet, exercise, GLP-1). Annually for stable prediabetics. After a major lifestyle change (significant weight loss), retest at 3 months to confirm response.

Pre-Diabetes Panel

About This Panel

Clinical Use

Who Should Order This

Helps Evaluate

Tests Included in This Panel

Preparation Instructions

Preparation Instructions

Frequently asked questions

Complete Your Testing