Sugar is a part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and from healthy sources such as fruit and some other carbohydrates. It is important to monitor your sugar intake to maintain a healthy diet, but it's imperative to your health to watch sugar levels if you are diabetic. If your doctor has determined that you are borderline diabetic, this should not be ignored because you can take preventive steps to halt the full development of diabetes.
Diagnosis
If your doctor has determined that you are a borderline diabetic, you might not know what that means. Borderline diabetes might also be referred to as prediabetes. Your doctor will test your blood sugar levels to assess how your body is processing glucose. For example, he might administer a fasting glucose test after you have fasted overnight. If your blood sugar levels are between 100 and 125 milligrams per deciliter, or mg/dL, you will be diagnosed as having prediabetes. A normal blood glucose level falls below 100 mg/dL; diabetes is confirmed by a blood glucose level higher than 125 mg/dL.
Implications
Borderline diabetes must be managed proactively to prevent the onset of diabetes. Working with your physician is the most effective way to determine which steps you should take to reduce your risk. Your physician will generally monitor your progress to make adjustments when necessary and to assess when your risk has decreased.
Normal Sugar Intake
According to the American Heart Association, if you are a man, you should limit your intake of sugar to 45 g of sugar per day. If you are a woman, you should limit your intake to 30 g of sugar per day.
Adjusting Your Sugar Intake
Your physician can determine what range of sugar intake will be specifically beneficial for you. In general, aiming to reduce your sugar intake from the standard recommendations is the best approach. For example, if you are a woman, seeking to consume only 25 or even 20 g of sugar per day vs. the normal 30 g will help you manage your blood sugar levels better. MayoClinic.com also advises incorporating cinnamon, flaxseed and ginseng into your diet to help you regulate your blood sugar levels.
