Which dietary change is recommended for someone with prediabetes?

For someone with prediabetes, lowering carbohydrate consumption is a recommended dietary change because it can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Carbohydrates have a direct impact on blood glucose levels; therefore, managing their intake can prevent spikes in blood sugar that commonly occur with high-carb meals. A focus on complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, while limiting simple sugars and refined carbs, is particularly beneficial.

Furthermore, a lower carbohydrate diet can assist in weight management, which is important for individuals with prediabetes since excess weight is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. By making mindful choices about carbohydrate quality and quantity, individuals can create a more balanced diet that supports metabolic health and reduces the risk of progressing to diabetes.

Other options, such as increasing processed food intake or salt intake, do not support health improvement and can worsen metabolic conditions. High-fat diets can vary widely in their health implications and often do not specifically address the issue of blood sugar control in the context of prediabetes.