Is a low-carb diet helpful for pre-diabetic patients?

What is pre-diabetes?

Pre-diabetes is a condition where the blood sugar levels are high, but not high enough to be categorised as diabetes. However, people who are pre-diabetic are seen to progress to diabetes in a few years. This is why it is very important to adopt a healthy lifestyle if you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes and follow the diet for diabetic patients.

How diet relates to pre-diabetes?

While many factors can increase your risk of developing pre-diabetes, diet also plays a crucial role. The amount and type of carbohydrates you eat at a meal affects your blood sugar level. If your diet is high in refined and processed carbohydrates, then it can cause higher spikes in blood sugar. And if you have pre-diabetes, your body will have a difficult time lowering the blood sugar levels after meals. Hence, watching your carb intake is important as it can help you avoid the increase in blood sugar levels.

How does a low-carb diet help?

Here are some reasons why following a low-carb diet can help control blood sugar levels:

• It prevents sugar accumulation.

• It helps prevent obesity which is one of the risk factors for developing pre-diabetes & type 2 diabetes.

• Reduces the need for heavy medication

What to eat if you have pre-diabetes?

• Eggs

• Fish such as tuna, trout, cod, and flounder

• Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and lean cut beef

• Nuts and seeds.

• Greek yogurt

• Tofu

• Butter

• Cottage cheese & full fat cheese

• Vegetables like eggplant, onions, mushrooms, leafy greens, peppers, radishes, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, beets, tomatoes & asparagus

• Fruits like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, & kiwi

Eat more fiber-rich foods as it will help you feel full for longer time and will make you less likely to overeat. High fiber foods include beans, legumes, quinoa, barley, whole grain breads & cereals.

Food not to eat if you have prediabetes

Along with watching your carb intake and avoiding high GI foods, you may also want to avoid these foods:

• Chips, pretzel, bagel, crackers, snack bars

• Rice, bread, pasta

• Desserts, sweets, candies, syrups, honey, jam and jellies, sweetened breakfast cereals, sugar

• Baked goods

• Sweet tea, sugar-sweetened soda, fruit juices

• Alcohol

Things to do if you have Prediabetes

• Eat more fiber

• Watch your carb intake

• Be mindful of portion sizes

• Eat lean meats and other protein

• Drink alcohol in moderation

• Drin plenty of water

• Exercise regularly

• Eat healthy and balanced diet.