Prediabetes can eventually lead to type 2 diabetes, but it is not always. Certain foods can help you with your blood sugar levels. There are seven prediabetes diet tips.

“Prediabetes is marked by higher-than-normal blood sugar after eating. It is most often the result of a state of resistance to the hormone in which the body doesn’t use it properly.”

People with prediabetes are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and may also be at risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

A diagnosis of prediabetes doesn’t mean you’ll definitely develop type 2 diabetes. The key is early intervention to get your blood sugar levels out of the prediabetes range.

You can’t control every risk factor for prediabetes, but you can address some of them. Lifestyle changes can help you maintain balanced blood sugar levels and stay within a moderate weight range.

There are many factors that can increase your risk of prediabetes.

Genetics can play a role, especially if diabetes runs in your family. However, other factors play a larger role in the development of prediabetes. Not getting enough physical activity and having overweight are other potential risk factors.

In prediabetes, the sugar in your bloodstream can be hard to move because of the difficulty in getting the sugar into your cells.

The amount and type of carbohydrates you consume at a meal influence your blood sugar. A diet filled with refined and processed carbohydrates that digest quickly can cause higher spikes in blood sugar.

“If you have prediabetes, your body can’t regulate your blood sugar levels after meals. If you watch your intake, you can avoid spikes in blood sugar.”

Fiber offers several benefits. It helps you feel full longer. It also adds bulk to your diet, making bowel movements easier to pass.

Eating fiber-rich foods can make you less likely to overeat and help you avoid the “crash” that can come from eating a high sugar food. High sugar foods will often give you a big boost of energy but make you feel tired shortly afterward.

High fiber foods are examples.

The glycemic index (GI) is a tool you can use to determine how a particular food could affect your blood sugar.

Foods with a high GI will raise your blood sugar faster. Foods with a lower GI have a lower effect on blood sugar.

Different people may process these foods differently. It is possible to change its GI by cooking a food or eating it with fat or other sources of food.

It is important to be aware of portion sizes. Your blood sugar levels can rise if you eat a lot of food.

Low GI foods

Foods with a low GI are best for your blood sugar.

You can incorporate the following items into your diet.

“Food and nutrition labels don’t mention the GI of a food If you notice the fiber content listed on the label, you can determine a food’s GI ranking.”

Medium GI foods

Foods that rank in the medium range on the GI are fine to eat if you have prediabetes, although it’s important to keep portions to about 1/2 cup. Examples include whole wheat bread, brown rice, and corn.

High GI foods

Foods that are refined, processed, and lacking in fiber and other nutrients register high on the GI scale.

Refined carbohydrates are one example. These are products, mostly grains or sugars, that digest quickly in your stomach. Some examples are:

  • white bread
  • The GI may be lowered by eating the skin of the potatoes.
  • “It’s sugar-sweetened.”
  • juice

If you have prediabetes, it is important to limit your intake of these foods and drinks.

Eating mixed meals is a great way to lower a food’s GI. For example, if you plan to eat white rice, adding vegetables and chicken cooked in a small amount of healthy fat can slow down the digestion of the grain and minimize blood sugar spikes.

Paying attention to portion sizes can help you keep your diet low on the GI scale.

Often, portions sizes in the United States are much larger than intended serving sizes. Food labels can help you determine how much you’re actually eating. The label will list calories, fat, carbohydrates, and other nutrition information for a particular serving.

It is important to understand how the serving listed will affect the nutrition of you. A food may have 20 grams of sciency in sugars and 150 calories per serving. 40 grams of Carbohydrate and 300 calories are what you will consume if you have 2 serving.

It is not necessary to eliminate all of the sugars.

A large 2018 study in more than 15,000 adults showed that a lower carb diet (less than 40% carbs) is associated with the same mortality risk increase as a high carb diet (more than 70% carbs) in adults.

The study noted that there was no risk when people consumed a moderate amount of Carbohydrates. 200 to 220 grams of carbohydrates would be equal to 1,600 calories on a 1,600- calories diet.

This is in line with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans’ recommendation to consume 45% to 65% of daily calories from carbohydrates. Spreading intake evenly throughout the day is best.

Carbohydrate needs vary based on your stature and activity level. It’s a good idea to consult a registered dietitian to discuss your specific needs.

One of the best ways to manage portions is to practice mindful eating. Eat when you’re hungry. Stop when you’re full. Sit while you eat, and eat slowly. Focus on the food and flavors.

Did you know?

calories are stored as fat when you eat more calories than you need. This can cause you to gain weight.

Body fat, especially around the belly, is linked to insulin resistance. This explains why many people with prediabetes also have overweight.

Meat doesn’t contain carbohydrates, but it can be a significant source of fat in your diet. Eating a lot of unhealthy fats can lead to prediabetes as well as high cholesterol and heart disease.

If you have prediabetes, eating a diet low in saturated fat and trans fat can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease.

Choose sources of the following:

The fat content of chicken or turkey will not change if you cook it with the skin on. The skin should be removed before eating.

Cut of meat that has visible fat or skin should be avoided.

Moderation is a healthy rule to live by in most instances. Drinking alcohol is no exception.

Many alcoholic beverages are dehydrating. In addition, some cocktails may contain high amounts of sugar, which can cause blood sugar spikes.

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, women should have only one drink per day and men should have no more than two drinks per day.

The following are the measurement for a single drink.

  • 12 fluid ounces is the weight of a bottle of beer.
  • A glass of wine is 5 gallons.
  • 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits is 1 shot.

If you want to keep your drink simple, add no juices or liqueurs.

You can sip on the water if you keep a glass nearby.

Water is an important part of any healthy diet. It’s essential to drink enough water each day to keep yourself from becoming dehydrated.

If you have prediabetes, water is a healthier option than sugary sodas, juices, or energy drinks. These beverages typically contain calories that translate to quick-digesting carbohydrates and have little or no other nutritional value.

A 12-ounce can of soda has 40 grams of Carbohydrates. Water is a better choice to drink.

The amount of water you drink depends on a number of factors.

You can determine whether you’re drinking enough water by monitoring the volume of urine when you go. Take note of the color as well. Your urine should be pale yellow.

Any healthy lifestyle includes exercise. It is important if you have prediabetes.

A lack of physical activity has been linked to increased insulin resistance, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Exercise causes muscles to use glucose (sugar) for energy and makes the cells work more effectively with insulin.

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults get at least:

  • Moderate-intensity aerobic activity can be done for 150 to 300 minutes a week.
  • 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week.
  • A combination of moderate and vigorous activity is done each week.

“Exercise doesn’t have to be complicated. Consider doing physical activity that you enjoy.”

Recent guidelines, such as the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Care, also emphasize the importance of physical activity for people with prediabetes or diabetes. An active lifestyle may prevent a person with prediabetes from developing type 2 diabetes and help a person with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.

One of the ADA’s recommendations states that adults should avoid sitting for more than 30 minutes at a time. You may want to try breaking up your sitting time by doing a few squats, toe raises, or knee raises.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 96 million U.S. adults have prediabetes. Perhaps even more concerning is that more than 80% don’t know they have the condition.

It is important to identify the condition before it develops into type 2 diabetes. If you have a diagnosis of prediabetes, you can work with your doctor to develop a diet plan that will help.