Low-carb Diet Plans For Pre-diabetics

Pre-diabetics have blood glucose levels higher than normal but not as high as those of type 2 diabetics. About 79 million adult Americans -- 35 percent of the population aged 20 or older -- had pre-diabetes in 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pre-diabetics have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but changes in diet and activity level may prevent or delay the onset of these conditions.

Pre-Diabetes

Pre-diabetes is a precursor of type 2 diabetes, a condition in which patients cannot efficiently convert glucose to energy. Risk factors include age, obesity and family history. Since pre-diabetes may not cause symptoms, at-risk patients should undergo laboratory screening. A fasting blood glucose level between 100 and 125 mg/dl indicates pre-diabetes, while a result of 126 mg/dl or higher indicates diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association, or ADA.

Treatment

People with pre-diabetes may delay or prevent the development of type 2 diabetes by changing their diet, exercising regularly and losing at least 5 to 10 percent of their weight, according to the ADA's standards of medical care. Nutrition therapy should include counseling and an individualized weight loss plan using a low-fat or low-carbohydrate diet, according to the ADA's nutrition recommendations.

Low-Carbohydrate Versus Low-Fat Diet Plans

Pre-diabetics may use either a low-fat or a low-carbohydrate diet plan, although several studies have suggested low-carbohydrate plans produce better results after six months, according to the ADA. However, after the first year, neither plan resulted in significant weight loss. Some studies suggest the low-carbohydrate plans cause more favorable changes in serum triglycerides and HDL -- high-density lipoprotein or good cholesterol -- levels; but they may also increase LDL -- low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol -- levels.

Low-Carbohydrate Diets

A pre-diabetic should eat at least 130 g of carbohydrates per day, according to the ADA. This amount provides enough glucose to maintain brain function without using energy from dietary fat and protein. Eating less than 130 g of carbohydrate per day requires eliminating many foods that provide essential minerals, vitamins, fiber and calories. While this type of diet may still support brain function, the potential effects on the rest of the body are not known.