Family History of Diabetes

by Sandrina
(Colorado)

Visitor Question:

Is it best for someone with a family history of diabetes to switch to LGI diet for prevention? I have sugar sensitivities.

I did follow a low carbohydrate diet and I have been doing okay because I love my good fats. I have been messing around with my diet eating carb loads after workouts because I read somewhere it is good after exercising. Now I'm noticing belly fat. I'm fit about 125lbs. I have a very active job, workout 3 times a week, yoga once/twice a week, walk the dog.
I know I need to work on my eating habits. Also how do I eat 5/6 times a day? I work from 9am-6pm. What would work best?

Thank you.

Lifetime Fat Loss Answers:


Yes, someone with a family history of diabetes who has sugar sensitivities would be wise to eat low glycemic foods even though you are not overweight now. It's a healthier way to eat and as you age it will be easier to store fat. You definitely need more carbohydrate dense foods before exercising. Since you are exercising before you eat these foods it is not surprising you are storing any extra calories on your belly. Your body is going to use what it can and store the rest.

Eat according to the Mediterranean diet pyramid which is mostly fresh fruit and vegetables, legumes, raw unsalted nuts, seeds and some whole grains. This should be half of what you eat each day. After that about a third of what you eat can be some fish, yogurt and cheese, eggs or chicken. The remainder can be sweets and meat if you're a meat eater.

As far as snacking throughout the day, if you're working that won't be possible so just do what's possible. The idea is to sustain your blood sugar at a nice low level. However, if you're not hungry you don't need the food. Maybe you could have raw nuts in a baggie in your pocket or desk in case of hunger. You don't need more than 7 raw nuts to keep your blood sugar in check especially when you eat the right breakfast. Eating protein like eggs for breakfast or oatmeal should keep you going until lunch time.