Preventing Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that almost 24 million people in the U.S. have. Although about a quarter of these people do not know they have Diabetes. This disease is one where a person's body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that helps to covert starches and sugar into energy that is then used by the body. There are a few varieties to this disease which we will take a look at.
Type 1 Diabetes
People who have Type 1 Diabetes do not produce their own insulin. They must take shots of insulin to enable their bodies to absorb glucose. Only 5-10% of individuals who have Diabetes have Type 1 Diabetes.
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 occurs during pregnancy in some woman. The results of this can be a baby that gains weight quickly. 5-10% of women who have gestational diabetes will have diabetes after their pregnancy, usually Type 2 Diabetes.
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.
Regarding your diet, it is important to watch the amounts of sugars and carbohydrates you consume throughout the day and look for ways to reduce this sugar consumption. Try to incorporate whole grains, fruits and vegetables into your diet. Also, eating smaller meals about 5-6 times during the day will help to keep blood sugar levels consistent during the day. It is also imperative that you lose weight if you are currently overweight.
Begin exercising 30 minutes per day can help with losing weight as well as controlling blood sugar levels. By using your muscles more you will help them use insulin more effectively to absorb glucose in your bloodstream to keep blood sugar moderate and not too high.
Diabetes is a disease that you have an element of control in preventing. By improving your daily habits such as your diet and exercising you can greatly decrease your risk of Type 2 Diabetes. 9 out of 10 Type 2 Diabetes cases could have been prevented.
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