Diabetes Prevention: Small Nutrition Changes With Big Impact

More than 96 million American adults have prediabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — and the vast majority do not know it. The good news is that type 2 diabetes is largely preventable through lifestyle modification, and nutrition is at the center of that intervention. The landmark Diabetes Prevention Program study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, found that lifestyle intervention reduced the development of type 2 diabetes by 58 percent in high-risk adults — outperforming medication alone.

The dietary strategies with the strongest evidence for diabetes prevention include reducing consumption of refined carbohydrates and added sugars, increasing fiber intake through vegetables, legumes and whole grains, choosing healthy fats over saturated fats and maintaining a moderate caloric balance to support a healthy weight. These are not radical changes — they are the kind of sustainable, practical shifts that become second nature with the right guidance and support.

Regular blood sugar monitoring, understanding how different foods affect your glucose levels and timing meals to maintain energy stability throughout the day are also important components of a prevention strategy. At NutriGreene, we work with clients to build individualized approaches to blood sugar management and diabetes prevention. If you have prediabetes or a family history of type 2 diabetes, now is the right time to act.

Sources

• Knowler WC, et al. Reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle intervention or metformin. N Engl J Med. 2002;346(6):393-403.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Diabetes Statistics Report. CDC.gov. 2020.

Ready to take the next step in your nutrition journey? Schedule an appointment at NutriGreene today. www.nutrigreene.com | (203) 429-4211 | info@nutrigreene.com