Obesity and Diabetes Prevention
Registered Dietician
| 2 min read
Chances are you’ve heard of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but did you know it’s possible to develop “prediabetes?” Prediabetes means your blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Recent research has shown that long-term damage to your heart and circulatory system can occur during prediabetes. Unless you take steps to prevent prediabetes, it can rapidly turn into type 2 diabetes.
If you are overweight and lead an inactive lifestyle, you are at a higher risk for developing prediabetes. You can reduce your risk by taking small steps:
- Change your diet
- Increase your level of physical activity
- And maintain a healthy weight
Eating three portion-controlled, balanced meals a day of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and fish can greatly reduce your risk. When in doubt, try to stay away from high calorie snacks and desserts and watch your portion sizes.
Maintaining a physically active lifestyle is one of the best things you can do for your health and it can easily fit into your regular routine. Taking a brisk walk at lunchtime or after dinner, working in the yard or even taking the stairs instead of the elevator can get your heart pumping.
Incorporating these positive changes into your life can lower your blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and put you at a lower risk for prediabetes. You can learn more about how to prevent prediabetes on the American Diabetes Association website.
You can find more posts on diabetes all-month long at AHealthierMichigan.org and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Pinterest, and like us Facebook for tips, challenges and chances to win prizes all week.
Why We’re Celebrating National Diabetes Awareness Month
While researchers are still studying links between gum disease and diabetes, there’s no doubt that taking care of your teeth is critical and scheduling regular checkups can help identify symptoms of diabetes. Blue Dental (SM) and Blue Vision (SM) believe good dental and vision health are just good sense – and can possibly lead to a proper diagnosis of diabetes and a host of other ailments and diseases.
Photo Credit: A Healthier Michigan
