Borderline diabetes, also known as pre-diabetes, occurs when a person's glucose levels -- the amount of sugar in his blood -- is higher than normal but not high enough for a doctor to diagnose him with type 2 diabetes. Without treatment, pre-diabetes is likely to progress to type 2 diabetes in 10 years or less. Planning proper meals is one way to treat his condition. As with any medical treatment, diabetic meal planning takes preparation, and while it may seem overwhelming at first, you will soon realize it is as easy as planning your own.
Step 1
Ask her doctor what her caloric and carbohydrate restrictions are. Calories and carbohydrates are the main culprits in pre-diabetes. High caloric consumption increases her weight, causing her glucose levels to skyrocket, while eating too many carbohydrates can do the same.
Step 2
Choose the right carbohydrates. There are two types of carbs -- simple and complex. Both contain sugar, but the sugar is absorbed differently into his blood stream. Simple carbs break down faster and cause a rapid spike in his glucose levels. Sources include white bread and rice, soda and snack foods. Instead, choose complex carbs whose sugars break down slowly, having little effect on glucose levels. These include whole-grain breads, whole-wheat pasta, brown rice and vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, spinach and cauliflower.
Step 3
Reduce her consumption of unhealthy fats. Fats, both good and bad, are full of calories. However, unhealthy fats such as saturated fats, increase her risk of developing high cholesterol and heart disease, two conditions diabetics are prone to. Rather than steak or burger for dinner, offer chicken or fish instead. The American Diabetes Association recommends eating fish two to three times per week.
Step 4
Plan a meal schedule for him. HelpGuide.org suggests that diabetics eat at the same time each day. This prevents overeating and regulates the number of calories he consumes at each meal. Schedule three meals and three snacks per day, dividing his calories evenly among them. Take into consideration any medications he takes, as well as his personal schedule and commitments.
Step 5
Prepare snacks ahead of time for her. This enables her to eat the right food at the right time. Dice some peppers or cucumbers, or place some unsalted almonds or pistachios in a baggie. Tell her where they can be found, and write down the time of day she can have them.
