Preventing Diabetes
There are 24 million people in the US who have Diabetes. Individuals who have Diabetes have bodies that do not produce a hormone called insulin or their bodies do not use insulin the right way. Insulin tells your cells to absorb glucose which is found in your bloodstream. Glucose is the form of energy your body produces from the foods you consume. Without insulin to tell your body to absorb glucose you will not be able to get the energy your body needs to function appropriately. Also, without insulin there is an increase of glucose or sugar levels in your bloodstream. Diabetes has a few different variations, some of which are more serious than others.
Type 1 Diabetes
Out of all those who have Diabetes only 5-10% of individuals who have Diabetes have Type 1 Diabetes. In this type of Diabetes the individual's body does not produce insulin. They will need to take shots of insulin everyday to ensure that their bodies can absorb glucose.
Type 2 Diabetes
Most people who are diagnosed with Diabetes fall into this type of Diabetes, although about 1/3 of the people who have Type 2 Diabetes do not know they have it. Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the body has an insulin resistance, generally not using the insulin correctly. Also, there is usually a deficiency of insulin as well.
Gestational Diabetes
Some women might experience Gestational Diabetes which is Diabetes during their pregnancy. Many women will not have Diabetes after their pregnancy, although about 5-10% will have Type 2 Diabetes. During a pregnancy where the mother has Gestational Diabetes the baby will gain weight quickly.
Pre-Diabetes
About 57 million people have pre-diabetes. This is a condition where a person's blood sugar level is higher than what would be "normal" for that person. Although the sugar levels are higher it is not quite high enough for the individual to be diagnosed with 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.
In preventing Type 2 Diabetes it is significant to focus on consistent physical exercise. The goal should be to participate in at least 30 minutes per day. If you are not currently active start with walking 30 minutes a day. If you are already physically active then continue with your routines as this drastically will help with reducing your risks of becoming Diabetic. Working out helps to use the energy in your body which lowers the sugar levels in your bloodstream as well as helps your muscles use insulin more efficiently.
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.
To learn more about diet plans that work check out Crystal Well's blog. This blog is dedicated to help you in locating the best diet plans that work for you!
categories: diabetes,blood sugar levels,energy,disease,diseases,disease prevention,disorder,health,fitness,healthy living