Diabetes Prevention

By Crystal Wells

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

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.

Type 2 Diabetes

The majority of those who have Diabetes have Type 2 Diabetes. Interestingly, many of the people who have Type 2 Diabetes do not know it. With this type of Diabetes an individual's body does not create enough insulin or use the insulin created appropriately. These people must be cognizant of their sugar levels and focus on keeping them level through exercise and diet. There are also some medications that can assist.

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

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.

Not all types of Diabetes can be prevented. Although the type of Diabetes that most people have can be, which is Type 2 Diabetes. To lower your risks you should focus on eating a healthy diet as well as increasing physical exercise.

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.

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. - 29887

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