The American Diabetes Association reports that 57 million Americans are in a prediabetic state, meaning that the patient’s blood glucose amount is higher than average but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes.

As prediabetes develops into diabetes, the body creates less insulin, so that it cannot properly convert sugar into energy. Sugar and fat in the blood are not processed correctly and remain in the bloodstream, leading to permanent organ damage. 

Fortunately, a new study published by the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that an almond-rich diet can help to stop and even reverse the effects of prediabetes. This study found that adults who ate 2 ounces of almonds each day had lower LDL cholesterol levels and increased insulin sensitivity.

Formulating a new food lifestyle around maintaining low insulin levels in the blood will help those with prediabetes to burn fat and process sugar correctly, so that the diagnosis of prediabetes can be reversed. 

Cholesterol-free almonds are an ideal addition to trail mix, granola, bread, pilaf and salad. Almond butter, almond milk and almond flour can also be incorporated into your favorite recipes. 

Americans with prediabetes should be encouraged that simple, easy-to-implement dietary changes can prevent the development of the devastating disease diabetes.