Background Prediabetes, a reversible condition before the onset of diabetes, is a significant concern in healthcare globally. The global prediabetes epidemic has emerged and has considerably impacted health expenditures. Various risk factors play important roles in the progression of prediabetes to diabetes. Intensive lifestyle and pharmacological interventions can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes progression. Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors of prediabetes state of Medan in August 2023. Methods The sample consisted of 89 participants. This was an analytical cross-sectional study in the community that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The determination of prediabetes is based on the results of blood tests, namely, the examination of fasting blood sugar levels (FBGL), 2-hour postprandial oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C). Other examinations included lipid profiling (total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, and triglycerides). Data processing was performed using SPSS via univariate and bivariate analyses (chi-square test). Results Of the 89 participants, the prevalence of prediabetes based on HbA1c, FBGL and 2-hours OGTT levels was 28.1%, 50.6%, and 28.1%, respectively. 82% of the participants were female, and 53.9% were overweight or obese based on body mass index (BMI). The risk factors for prediabetes were age >64 years, female, physical inactivity, and diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg (p<0.05). Other risk factors such age <45-64 years, consumption of vegetables/fruits, BMI, HDL, LDL, trygliceride, total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, achantosis nigricans, and waist-hip circumference did not associate significantly (p>0.05). Conclusion This study found that the prevalence of prediabetes was 67.4% in Medan. Age >64 years, female, physical inactivity, and diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg were the most important risk factors for prediabetes.