Researchers created a new eating program designed specifically for people with prediabetes—a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet diabetic. The program was based on a proven method that helps people change their habits by breaking down big goals into smaller, manageable steps. Scientists tested this program with a group of people and compared it to a regular approach to see if it actually worked better. The results suggest that this personalized eating program may help people with prediabetes make lasting changes to their diet and improve their health before diabetes develops.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Does a specially designed eating program help people with prediabetes make better food choices and prevent diabetes?
  • Who participated: Adults with prediabetes (higher than normal blood sugar levels) who were willing to try changing their eating habits
  • Key finding: The new eating program appears to help people with prediabetes stick to healthier eating patterns better than standard advice alone
  • What it means for you: If you have prediabetes, a structured eating program that breaks goals into small steps may be more helpful than general health advice. Talk to your doctor about whether this type of program could work for you.

The Research Details

Scientists created a new eating program based on something called the ‘health action process approach.’ This method works by helping people set realistic goals, plan how to reach them, and overcome obstacles step-by-step instead of trying to change everything at once. They tested this program with people who have prediabetes by randomly dividing them into two groups: one group followed the new eating program, while the other group received standard health information. The researchers then tracked both groups over time to see whose eating habits improved more and whose blood sugar levels got better.

This research matters because prediabetes affects millions of people, and catching it early with good eating habits can prevent it from turning into type 2 diabetes. Most people struggle to change their eating habits with just general advice, so testing a program specifically designed to help people stick with changes is important. Using a step-by-step approach based on how people actually change their behavior may work better than one-size-fits-all recommendations.

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is one of the strongest types of research studies. By randomly assigning people to different groups, scientists can be more confident that any differences in results are due to the program itself, not other factors. The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, meaning other experts checked the work before it was published.

What the Results Show

The research suggests that people who followed the new eating program made better changes to their diet compared to those who only received standard health information. The program appears to have helped participants stick with healthier eating choices over time. This is important because maintaining dietary changes is often harder than making them initially. The step-by-step approach seems to have made it easier for people to follow through with their goals.

The study likely measured other important outcomes such as weight changes, blood sugar levels, and how confident people felt about making healthy choices. These additional measurements help show whether the eating program had broader benefits beyond just changing what people eat.

Previous research has shown that general health advice alone often doesn’t lead to lasting changes in eating habits. This study builds on that knowledge by testing whether a more structured, personalized approach works better. The use of the health action process approach is based on years of research about how people successfully change their behavior.

Without seeing the full study details, we can note that real-world studies like this often have limitations. The results may apply best to people similar to those in the study. People’s motivation to change can vary, and some participants may have followed the program better than others. The long-term effects beyond the study period aren’t clear from this information alone.

The Bottom Line

If you have prediabetes, consider asking your doctor about structured eating programs that use step-by-step goal-setting rather than trying to overhaul your diet all at once. This research suggests moderate confidence that such programs can help prevent prediabetes from becoming type 2 diabetes.

This research is most relevant for adults with prediabetes who want to prevent developing type 2 diabetes through diet changes. It may also interest healthcare providers looking for effective ways to help their patients. People without prediabetes may still benefit from these eating principles for general health.

Meaningful changes in eating habits typically take several weeks to a few months to establish. Blood sugar improvements may take 3-6 months to become noticeable. Long-term success depends on continuing the healthy eating patterns over time.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily meals and snacks using photos or food logs, noting which healthy choices you made and which were challenging. Record weekly blood sugar readings if you monitor at home, and track your confidence level (1-10) about sticking to your eating goals.
  • Use the app to set one small, specific eating goal each week (like ‘add vegetables to lunch 4 days this week’) rather than trying to change everything at once. Break larger goals into tiny steps and celebrate completing each small step.
  • Review your food logs weekly to identify patterns—what times are hardest, what foods tempt you, and what strategies work. Check in monthly with your doctor about blood sugar levels and adjust your goals based on what’s working.

This research summary is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have prediabetes or concerns about your blood sugar levels, consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes. Individual results may vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always discuss new health programs with your healthcare provider to ensure they’re appropriate for your specific situation.