What is your current activity level?
🧍‍♂️Sedentary
🚶 Moderately active
🏃 Very active
This will help us personalize your experience

A Complete List of Foods to Eat with Prediabetes

Published on
Updated on
A Complete List of Foods to Eat with Prediabetes

Table of Contents

Written By:

Key Takeaways

  • Prediabetes is a medical condition that occurs when blood sugar is consistently higher than average but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
  • Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and protein can help regulate blood sugar levels.
  • Diet changes and healthy lifestyle choices can reverse prediabetes and decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Prediabetes is when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for your doctor to classify it as type 2 diabetes. It is a warning sign that you are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you do not make some food and lifestyle modifications. 

Fortunately, making certain changes can help you bring your blood sugar levels down to a healthy range and reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

This article explores what prediabetes is, and some of the best foods you can eat if you have it. 

What Is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a sign that your body is starting to have difficulty regulating your blood sugar levels. There are two common reasons why you might develop prediabetes: 

  • Insulin resistance - your body’s resistance to the insulin hormone. 
  • Insufficient insulin - your insulin production is severely impaired. 

Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance occurs when your body’s cells do not respond appropriately to insulin, making it harder for glucose to enter your cells to be used or stored for energy. This leads to higher than normal blood sugar levels, which can cause prediabetes.

Insufficient Insulin

Another cause of prediabetes is when your pancreas is not producing enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that guides sugar from your blood into your cells. Your pancreas releases insulin in response to consuming food. Without enough insulin production, your blood sugar levels will rise. 

Having high blood sugar can lead to type 2 diabetes, and if not addressed can contribute to organ and tissue damage. 

Symptoms of Prediabetes

Prediabetes is a condition you may not know you have. Oftentimes, prediabetes does not cause symptoms

However, some people with prediabetes may experience symptoms related to having high blood sugar. These may include:

  • Increased thirst.
  • Frequent urination.
  • Fatigue or weakness.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Slow-healing wounds or cuts.
  • Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.
  • Unexplained weight loss.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to let your doctor know. Other medical conditions can also cause these symptoms and seeing your doctor can get you an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

List of Foods for Prediabetes

If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes, making changes to your food choices is an important step in managing your condition and reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes. 

The good news is that plenty of delicious and nutritious foods can help you maintain stable blood sugar levels and support your overall health. You can also still enjoy your favorite foods. You may just need to decrease your serving size and how often you eat them.

A Nourish dietitian can help you develop a plan that meets your needs and preferences.

Fruits and vegetables

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is an essential part of a balanced diet and is vital for people with prediabetes. 

Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and high in nutrients, making them an excellent choice for managing your blood sugar. Fruits and veggies are also high in fiber, which can help you feel satisfied after eating and prevent blood sugar spikes. 

When possible, it is best to reach for whole, fresh, or frozen produce instead of canned, dried, and juiced varieties, as these often contain added sugar and can cause a blood glucose spike.

Here are some examples of fruits and veggies you can incorporate more into your meals:

  • Broccoli.
  • Carrots.
  • Greens.
  • Peppers.
  • Tomatoes.
  • Oranges.
  • Melons.
  • Berries.
  • Apples.
  • Bananas.
  • Grapes.

Aim to get a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet each day to meet your nutritional needs. 

Whole grains

Whole grains are a good source of fiber and other nutrients, including B vitamins, complex carbohydrates, and minerals. Unlike processed grains, whole grains digest more slowly and prevent a sudden increase in your blood sugar. 

Some good options for whole grains include:

  • Whole wheat bread.
  • Quinoa.
  • Brown rice.
  • Oats.
  • Barley.
  • Pasta.
  • Farro.

When shopping, look for whole grain versions of your favorite breads, pastas, and cereal products. Try experimenting with whole grain recipes like quinoa salads and stir-fried brown rice. 

Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They are also low on the glycemic index, meaning they will not make your blood sugar levels rise out of range. 

Try adding them to some of your meals and snacks throughout the day. Eating them will help you feel full and prevent mindless snacking. 

Some examples of nuts and seeds that are good for prediabetes include:

  • Almonds.
  • Walnuts.
  • Chia seeds.
  • Flax seeds.
  • Pumpkin seeds.

Protein

Proteins are essential for proper immune functioning and muscle repair and growth. Adding proteins to your meals can regulate your blood sugar levels and help you feel full and satisfied between meals. 

Some proteins to consume if you have prediabetes include:

  • Poultry.
  • Fish.
  • Soy.
  • Beans.
  • Lentils.
  • Eggs.
  • Beef.
  • Pork.
  • Dairy products.

Choose a variety of protein sources throughout your week to fulfill your body’s nutritional needs

Other Tips for Prediabetes

In addition to incorporating specific foods into your diet, a variety of other lifestyle factors can help you manage your prediabetes and reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

Following these tips can help you create a healthy and sustainable lifestyle that supports stable blood sugar levels and your overall health. 

Don’t skip breakfast

Eating breakfast is especially important if you have prediabetes. A balanced breakfast can help manage your appetite and cravings throughout the rest of the day and can help your body avoid becoming insulin resistant. 

Some good breakfast options include:

  • Oatmeal cooked with low-fat milk.
  • Greek yogurt with fruit and nuts.
  • An omelet with vegetables and whole grain toast.

When preparing your breakfast, choose options low in added sugars and high in fiber and protein to help you feel satisfied and regulate your blood sugar. 

Limit added sugars

Foods and drinks high in added sugars can cause your blood sugar levels to spike and contribute to insulin resistance. Instead of reaching for sugary treats, try incorporating naturally sweet foods into your diet, such as fruits or starchy vegetables. 

When you do consume foods with added sugars, be mindful of your portion size and how frequently you eat them. Reading nutrition labels can help you identify which foods are high in sugar. Limiting these foods can help you support stable blood sugar levels. 

Work with a dietitian

A registered dietitian from Nourish can help you develop an individualized nutrition plan that takes into account your personal needs, preferences, and health goals. 

They can also help you understand how different foods and nutrients affect your blood sugar levels and provide guidance on portion sizes and overall dietary balance.

After working with a diabetes nutritionist, you can feel confident that you are making the best choices for your health and are taking proactive steps to reverse your prediabetes. 

Risk Factors of Prediabetes

Several risk factors can increase your chance of developing prediabetes. Some of the most common factors include:

  • Having overweight or obesity.
  • Being physically inactive.
  • Having a family history of diabetes.
  • Being over age 35.
  • Having a personal history of gestational diabetes.
  • Having high blood pressure.
  • Being African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, or Pacific Islander.

If you have one or more of these risk factors, it is important to get regular blood sugar screening to check for prediabetes. A healthy lifestyle and diet choices can help decrease your risk of developing prediabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

View all references
Nourish has strict sourcing policies and prioritizes primary sources, including medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about our medical review process and editorial guidelines.

See a Registered Dietitian with Nourish

  • Covered by insurance
  • Virtual sessions
  • Personalized care
Schedule an appointment

Frequently asked questions

No items found.

Book an appointment with a {category} dietitian

Covered by insurance.

Book an appointment with an online dietitian

Covered by insurance.

Mental Health
Text Link
Intuitive Eating
Text Link
Hyperthyroidism
Text Link
Hypothyroidism
Text Link
Fertility
Text Link
Endometriosis
Text Link
Menopause
Text Link
Hormonal Health
Text Link
Weight Stabilization
Text Link
Bariatric Surgery
Text Link
Weight Gain
Text Link
Weight Loss
Text Link
High Cholesterol
Text Link
High Blood Pressure
Text Link
Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder (OSFED)
Text Link
Type 2 Diabetes
Text Link
Type 1 Diabetes
Text Link
Gestational Diabetes
Text Link
Prediabetes
Text Link
Multiple Sclerosis
Text Link
Celiac Disease
Text Link
Ulcerative Colitis
Text Link
GERD / Acid Reflux
Text Link
Crohn’s Disease
Text Link
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Text Link
Binge Eating
Text Link
Bulimia
Text Link
Anorexia
Text Link
Food Allergies
Text Link
Sports and Performance Nutrition
Text Link
Eating Disorder
Text Link
Autoimmune Disease
Text Link
Thyroid Disorders
Text Link
Diabetes
Text Link
Cancer
Text Link
Healthy Aging
Text Link
Women's Health
Text Link
Weight Concerns
Text Link
Vegan/Vegetarian
Text Link
Pre or Postnatal Nutrition
Text Link
Pediatric Nutrition
Text Link
Liver Disease
Text Link
Kidney Disease
Text Link
Heart Health
Text Link
Gut Health
Text Link
General Health
Text Link
Emotional Eating
Text Link

Find a

dietitian covered by insurance

No items found.
Mental Health
Intuitive Eating
Hyperthyroidism