What Are Prediabetic Diets?

Prediabetes is a medical condition in which blood glucose levels are high, but not high enough to qualify as full-blown type 2 diabetes. However, with proper diet, exercise, and, sometimes, medication prediabetes can be curbed and progression to type 2 diabetes prevented. The term prediabetic diet refers to low-carb or low-glycemic diets that control blood sugar levels by increasing protein intake and eliminating sugar from the diet.

Types

There are several types of prediabetic diets, and some of the more well-known plans include Atkins, The Zone, The South Beach Diet and Sugar Busters.

Function

A prediabetic diet reduces the body's insulin response to food, resulting in improved blood sugar levels and a decreased risk of diabetes.

Significance

Prediabetic diets, in conjunction with exercise, can reduce or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes by 58 percent.

Size

In 2007, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimated that 57 million Americans were prediabetic.

Warning

Low glycemic prediabetic diets can strain the kidneys and disrupt electrolyte and mineral balances in the body. Dieters should check with their physicians before embarking on a prediabetic diet.

Considerations

Due to a prediabetic diet's impact on electrolyte and mineral balances, many people take potassium, magnesium and calcium supplements.