The document provides diagnostic criteria and guidelines for impaired glucose metabolism according to the American Diabetes Association and World Health Organization. It discusses factors that can increase risk of type 2 diabetes such as age, weight, family history, and previous gestational diabetes. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is presented as a standard for assessing glycemic control and mean blood glucose as it represents glucose levels over the previous 2-3 months. Combining fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c levels is highly predictive of impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes. Higher HbA1c levels are associated with increased cardiovascular risk independent of other risk factors.