pre-disease
Not yet sick
Pre-disease describes a state before illness fully develops—when risk factors or early markers are present but the condition hasn't manifested: Her doctor identified a pre-disease state that could lead to diabetes.
The term appears in preventive medicine, where catching pre-disease conditions allows intervention before symptoms emerge.
Critics argue it medicalizes normal variation and creates unnecessary anxiety.
Diseased without outward signs
- subclinicalBelow symptom detection level
- latentPresent but inactive
- prodromalPreceding full disease onset
- precursorSomething that comes first
borderline · prediabetic · prehypertensive · precancerous · incubation · onset · threshold · progression
Evaluative selection process
- lifestylePersonal living pattern
- nutritionBodily use of food
- exerciseActivity for fitness
- vaccinationAdministered immunity booster
hygiene · sleep · hydration · checkups · immunization · diet · moderation · prophylaxis
Science of hereditary transmission
- family historyRecord of ancestors
- obesityExcess body fat condition
- smokingInhaling burning tobacco
- hypertensionChronic elevated arterial pressure
sedentary · cholesterol · diabetes · inflammation · pollution · toxins · metabolic syndrome · predisposition
Systematic development of mind
- knowledgeUnderstood facts and skills
- informationKnowledge about something
- campaignsOrganized efforts toward goals
- outreachProactive community assistance
advocacy · understanding · vigilance · recognition · public health · health literacy · communication · messaging
asymptomatic
Diseased without outward signs
- subclinicalBelow symptom detection level
- latentPresent but inactive
- prodromalPreceding full disease onset
precursor · borderline · prediabetic · prehypertensive · precancerous · incubation · onset · threshold · progression · trajectory
screening
Evaluative selection process
vaccination · hygiene · sleep · hydration · checkups · immunization · diet · moderation · prophylaxis · intervention
genetics
Science of hereditary transmission
- family historyRecord of ancestors
- obesityExcess body fat condition
- smokingInhaling burning tobacco
hypertension · sedentary · cholesterol · diabetes · inflammation · pollution · toxins · metabolic syndrome · predisposition · biomarkers
education
Systematic development of mind
- knowledgeUnderstood facts and skills
- informationKnowledge about something
- campaignsOrganized efforts toward goals
outreach · advocacy · understanding · vigilance · recognition · public health · health literacy · communication · messaging · resources