Prediabetes Treatment
- Counting carbs: Keeping track of how many carbs you eat and setting a limit for each meal can help keep your blood sugar levels in your target range3.
- The Plate Method: It’s easy to eat more food than you need without realizing it. The plate method is a simple, visual way to make sure you’re getting the right balance of foods at each meal 4.
- About Portion Size: Portion size and serving size aren’t always the same. A portion is the amount of food you choose to eat at one time, while a serving is a specific amount of food, such as one slice of bread or 8 ounces (1 cup) of milk3.
- Get Help: Working with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN/RD) can help you make an eating plan that works for you2.
Exercise is an important part of managing diabetes. Regular exercise can help you control your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of complications1. Here are some tips for exercising when you have diabetes:
- Walking: Because anyone can do it almost anywhere, walking is the most popular exercise and highly recommended for people with diabetes. Spending 30 minutes of brisk walking, five times each week is a great way to increase your physical activity2.
- Tai Chi: This Chinese form of exercise uses slow, smooth body movements to relax the mind and body. Studies have shown that it can help improve blood sugar control2.
- Yoga: A traditional form of exercise, yoga incorporates breathing exercises, meditation, and poses to help improve flexibility and balance2.
- Strength Training: Strength training can help build muscle mass and improve insulin sensitivity2.
- Flexibility Exercises: Stretching exercises can help improve flexibility and range of motion3.
It’s important to talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise program. Your doctor can help you determine what types of exercises are safe for you based on your health status4. Also, it’s important to monitor your blood sugar levels before and after exercising1.
There are several dietary supplements that may help manage diabetes. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements because some can interact with medications or cause side effects1.
Here are some supplements that have been studied for diabetes:
- Chromium: This trace element plays a role in blood sugar regulation by working with insulin to help transport glucose into cells2.
- Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA): An antioxidant, ALA can enhance the uptake of glucose into cells and help inhibit glycosylation (the abnormal attachment of sugar to proteins, which hinders their normal function)2.
- Coenzyme Q10: This antioxidant has been shown to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes2.
- Magnesium: Magnesium is involved in carbohydrate metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Studies have shown that people with diabetes often have low levels of magnesium3.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: These healthy fats can help reduce inflammation and improve blood sugar control3.