November is Diabetes Awareness Month and the best defense against diabetes is knowledge. Read on to learn about risk factors and steps you can take to help prevent diabetes.
Diabetes is on the rise - the American Diabetes Association says there are 23.6 million people in the United States, or 8% of the population, with diabetes.
The total prevalence of diabetes increased 13.5% from 2005-2007. Only 24% of diabetes is undiagnosed, down from 30% in 2005 and from 50% 10 years ago.
This article will focus on type 2 diabetes awareness since it is most common form of diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes develops either because the body does not make enough insulin or the cells are resistant to insulin.
Insulin is necessary for the body to use sugar. Think of insulin as the key that unlocks the door and lets sugar in to be used as energy. If your body is unable to use sugar, it builds up in the blood and can lead to various complications.
Know Your Risk Factors!
Below are nine risk factors associated with developing Type 2 Diabetes. It is wise to discuss these with your doctor to determine if further testing is required.
1. Overweight or obesity
2. An apple shaped figure (carrying more fat around the middle)
3. Age! As you grow older, your risk for developing diabetes increases. However, it is important to note that type 2 diabetes is on the rise in children - an alarming trend.
4. Sedentary lifestyle
5. Family history
6. History of gestational diabetes
7. Ethnicity: Diabetes is more common is African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and Native Americans.
8. High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease - these two conditions are prevalent in people with diabetes.
9. Pre-Diabetes: This is a condition when blood glucose (sugar) levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association reports that in addition to the 20.8 Americans who have type 2 diabetes, an additional 41 million have pre-diabetes. However, the Diabetes Prevention Program study showed that people with pre-diabetes can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes by making dietary and physical activity changes!
Take action now with these preventative steps!
-- Take a closer look at your diet - modifying your diet and including a balance of healthy foods can help prevent chronic disease such as diabetes. Managing your diet is even more important if you already have diabetes.
-- Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and get your blood sugar tested! Regular testing, especially if you have several risk factors is important. Don't be afraid to raise concerns with your doctor either!
-- Lose weight (if you're overweight). Even a modest 5-10% weight loss can lead to improvements in blood sugar and help prevent type 2 diabetes.
-- Make healthy food choices. Buy a new healthy cookbook or research healthy recipes on www.cookinglight.com to help get you started. Or, use the meal planner at www.mealsmatter.org.
-- Be Active! Exercise helps lower blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure and burns calories! And, you don't have to go to a gym to reap the benefits of exercise. Walking is an excellent activity - clip on your pedometer and start walking!
For more information: www.diabetes.org
Please note: The information in this article is not to be followed asmedical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your physicianor primary health practitioner for information regarding your own personalhealth and necessary treatments.
