Pre-diabetes is a serious medical condition that can be managed. The encouraging news is that the recently completed Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) study conclusively showed that people with pre-diabetes can control the development of type 2 diabetes by making changes in their diet and increasing their level of physical activity. They may even be able to bring their blood glucose levels back to the normal range.
While the DPP also showed that some medications may help delay the development of diabetes, diet and exercise proved to be more effective. Just 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity, coupled with a 5-10% reduction in body weight, resulted in a 58% reduction in diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is developing resources to help people understand their risks for pre-diabetes and what they can do to manage the progression to diabetes and even reverse it. In the meantime, ADA has a wealth of materials for people with diabetes or at risk for diabetes that can be helpful for individuals interested in pre-diabetes.
What is a diabetes meal plan?
A diabetes meal plan is a guide that informs you about the amount and types of food you can select to consume at meals and snack times. A well-structured meal plan should align with your daily schedule and eating habits. The right meal plan will help you manage your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, and also assist in maintaining a healthy weight. Whether you need to shed pounds or maintain your current weight, your meal plan can be a valuable tool.
Individuals with diabetes need to be extra careful to ensure their food intake is balanced with insulin and oral medications, as well as exercise to regulate their blood glucose levels. This may seem like a lot of work, but your doctor and/or dietitian can assist you in creating a diet plan that suits your individual needs. By making healthy food choices, you'll improve your overall health and potentially prevent complications such as heart disease and certain cancers.