Depending on their diet, those suffering from borderline diabetes can either keep the condition in check or fall even further into poor health, according to the Mayo Clinic. Making healthy lifestyle choices can be the difference between keeping your blood sugar at normal levels or having it rise to the dangerous levels of type 2 diabetes. Choosing the proper foods, the Mayo Clinic states, is one of the keys to controlling borderline diabetes and keeping it from progressing. A few foods are good choices for people coping with borderline diabetes.
Spinach
The American Diabetes Association recommends a non-starchy vegetable such as spinach for a borderline diabetic diet. The ADA states that spinach contains vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals. Also, because it is a non-starchy vegetable, it has few carbohydrates, which is an important part of aspect of a healthy diet for borderline diabetics.
Chicken
Chicken is a source of lean protein that provides borderline diabetics with a meat that is low in saturated fat and total calories. The key to keeping the meat low fat and healthy, the ADA states, is to make sure to consume it without the skin, which contains most of the fat content.
Lean Beef
The ADA recommends that those suffering from borderline diabetes choose Select or Choice grades of beef with the fat trimmed off to get the protein they need without the saturated fat they don't. Cuts of beef that fit this category include chuck, rump roast, rib, sirloin, round, flank, cubed, porterhouse, tenderloin and T-bone steak. These cuts are low in saturated fats and calories. Also, the ADA states, meat does not contain carbohydrates, which is important for keeping glucose levels in check.
Beans
The ADA says that borderline diabetics work dried beans into several of their meals during the week, since they are a top source of protein and contain significant amounts of dietary fiber. However, the ADA warns that dried beans, such as black, lima and pinto beans, contain quite a bit of carbohydrates. Borderline diabetics must be wary of the carb count of the foods that they eat, because excess carbs can raise blood glucose levels.
Whole Wheat Bread
The ADA says that there is a debate as to whether grains help you lose weight and whether they are an asset or a detriment to blood glucose management. But beyond the debates, the ADA states that if you are going to eat grain products, choose whole-grain products. The ADA says that whole grains are rich in vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and fiber, which can help borderline diabetics control their weight and provide necessary nutrients.
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