Diabetes Prevention
Diabetes is a disease that affects 24 million people in the US. Not everyone who has Diabetes realizes that they do, actually about a quarter of those who have the disease do not know it. The bodies of people who have Diabetes do not properly use or produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body by telling the cells to absorb glucose in bloodstream. Glucose is the form of energy that the body can absorb after foods have been digested. Without insulin to prompt the cells to absorb glucose the body is unable to use the energy that it needs to function properly. This results in a sugar surplus in the bloodstream. There are a few different types of Diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
About 5-10% of people have Type 1 Diabetes, which is when the body does not produce insulin. To address this type of Diabetes the individual must take shots of insulin to help their bodies be able to convert starches, sugars and other foods into energy in the form the body needs it to be.
Diabetes Type 2
People who have Type 2 Diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their bodies do not use the insulin produced correctly. Most people who have Diabetes have Type 2 Diabetes, although many who have the disease do not know it.
Gestational Diabetes
This type of diabetes can happen during pregnancy in some woman. Often times this can cause the baby to gain weight quickly. After a pregnancy where gestational diabetes occurs 5-10% of woman will have diabetes after their pregnancy, usually Type 2 Diabetes.
Pre-Diabetes
Approximately 57 million people in the US who have high blood sugar levels, however they are not high enough to be considered Type 2 Diabetes. We call this state Pre-Diabetes, if nothing is done to address these higher sugar levels the result will most likely be Type 2 Diabetes.
It is possible to prevent Type 2 Diabetes. This is good since most people who have Diabetes fall into this type. To reduce risks of Type 2 Diabetes you should focus on becoming more physically active as well as eating a balanced diet.
Losing weight and having a healthy balanced diet are two areas to focus to prevent Type 2 Diabetes. By losing 5-7% of your current body weight you will greatly be reducing your level of risk of becoming Type 2 Diabetic. Concentrate your diet on whole grains, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats. Also, you should reduce intake of refined carbohydrates, sugars and sugary drinks. Quit smoking if you currently smoke.
Physical exercise should be added into your daily routines. Try to participate in 30 minutes of exercise each day, even if it is just walking. This will help in weight loss but also will help level out your blood sugar in your bloodstream. Working your muscles harder and more often will help them to use insulin better to absorb glucose.
Although Diabetes is a serious disease it is one that you have the ability to prevent by focusing on habits that will help your overall health. Some of these habits are eating a healthy balanced diet and participating in 30 minutes or more of exercise per day. By taking better care of yourself in these ways it will immensely increase your success in preventing Diabetes.
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