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Ways to Prevent Diabetes

Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes

According to the National Institutes of Health, an estimated 41 million Americans -including 2 million Americans under the age of 20 - have prediabetes, a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal - but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. Those with prediabetes are at increased risk for developing type II or full-blown diabetes, and have a higher risk for heart disease, stroke and all the other health issues related to diabetes. The good news? If you have prediabetes, you can reduce your risk of developing diabetes (and may even return to normal glucose levels) through fairly simple lifestyle modifications. If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes, make today the day you take over your health, and help delay or prevent the onset of type II diabetes. Get daily physical activity. Exercise improves the action of insulin, moving glucose out of the bloodstream and into tissues where it can be used for energy. Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, the more pounds you lose, the less likely your chance of developing diabetes. Talk with your doctor about what your optimum weight should be, and how to achieve it. Eat a diet low in refined carbohydrates, and incorporate fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and monounsaturated fats (such as olive oil) into your diet. Manage your health. Get regular checkups for blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and seek treatment if necessary.