Pre Diabetes Diet

 What is pre diabetes?

Pre diabetes is a serious condition that can be described as the stage that comes prior to type-2 diabetes. Previously known as impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance, pre diabetes is not regarded as pure diabetes. This is because during pre diabetes, even though the levels of sugar are high in the body, they are not as high as they would be, if it were a case of diabetes. While there are no pre diabetes symptoms as such, it is possible to notice the symptoms that are normally associated with type-2 diabetes, like frequent urination, unexplained weight gain or loss and excessive thirst. It is also quite common to experience weakness and fatigue during pre diabetes.

What is a pre diabetes diet plan?

Most pre diabetes diets should consist mainly of pre diabetic foods, i.e., foods that have reduced amounts of sugar, carbohydrates, calories and fat. The main focus of a pre diabetes diet is to reduce the risk of progress to type-2 diabetes. Including plenty of high fiber foods, certain fruits and non-starchy vegetables like beans, carrots, broccoli and spinach can help in pre diabetes weight loss too. While the most ideal foods for a pre diabetes diet are green vegetables, it is important to include vegetables of other type too, in order to maintain a variety in the diet.

One of the most important features of a pre diabetes diet is the exclusion of foods that contain simple carbohydrates, as they lead to weight gain and food cravings in most people.  However, it is good to consume foods that contain complex carbohydrates, like high fiber foods, as they improve digestion and stabilize the levels of blood glucose in the body. Foods high in fiber help in providing energy to the body. Moreover, they keep a person full for a longer period of time, which abets weight loss.

A pre diabetes diet can also include beans, like split peas, pinto beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans and soy bean. The fruits that are good for pre diabetics are apples, plums, strawberries, prunes, pears, grapefruit, oranges and dried apricot. Sufficient portions of fish, skinless chicken and turkey, lean beef sirloin and pork loins are also important in a proper pre diabetic diet plan. Liquid fats like olive oil should be used for cooking, in place of solid oils.

Some of the best pre diabetic recipes can be found in diabetic cookbooks or though online resources. While looking for pre diabetic recipes, it is important to get information about the nutritional facts, to stay within the allotted sodium, fat and caloric intake, for the day. It may be a good idea to get all your recipes approved by a dietician. Following a pre diabetic diet plan is a habit that can be developed over a period of time. With little efforts, it can become a regular part of your daily routine, in a short period of time.

Once your blood glucose level returns to normal, you no longer have pre diabetes. However, this does not mean that you can go back to a diet that is high in sugar and fat. In order to prevent your blood glucose level from going too high again, it is best to strike a balance between a pre diabetic diet plan and a regular diet plan at all times.

However, before going on to a pre diabetic diet plan, it is important to check with a doctor or a qualified dietician.