I found this informative post at ediets.com. As the explosion of diabetes overwhelms our country, this lists proactive steps we can take to stem the tide of this potentially fatal disease.
1. Lose Weight: We can't control our genes, but we CAN control the size of our jeans! Losing just 5 percent of our current weight can lower your risk for complications from diabetes. That's a start. There are a number of different eDiets plans that are great for weight loss and even a Living With Diabetes Plan that's especially dedicated to information and support for people living with diabetes.
Keep track of your waist size along with your weight. For women, a waist size of 35 inches or greater increases the risk for heart disease and diabetes, especially if your BMI is equal to or greater than 25. For men, a waist size equal to or greater than 40 inches with a BMI equal to or greater than 25 compounds your risk.
2. Exercise: New research shows that any type of exercise improves blood glucose control. You don't have to run every day or join a gym, but you do need to get out and walk, and if you add resistance training -- not heavy weights, but light weights and bands -- you can strengthen muscles.
3. Get Tested: This goes back to your genes... or your jeans! If you have a first-generation relative (parent, sibling) with type 2 diabetes, you have a genetic link. If you are overweight, your risk is doubled. Get tested now, and hopefully you'll be normal. But keep vigilant, enjoy a balanced diet, stay active and keep your weight within a couple of pounds of your goal. If your blood glucose is higher than normal but not at type 2 diagnosis (pre-diabetes=100-125mg/dl), it means you need to take control now to avoid complications.
4. Take Control: If you do have diabetes, you can manage the disease instead of letting it manage you; you control diabetes. Control your diet, your activity and how often you test. Then, you can control the controls. Follow your physicians' and your diabetes educators' recommendations and test your blood glucose frequently. Many blood glucose monitors have sophisticated software that lets you download your readings and create reports.
5. Connect: You can do it alone, but having support makes it better and more fun. eDiets Living with Diabetes Plan helps people by giving them a supportive, secure place online to get together and share their experiences.
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Hello there! My name is Desiree with the eDiets Community! Thanks for this very informative post and I hope your readers benefit from it. Diabetes can lead to serious complications and can even be fatal, but people with diabetes can take steps (such as listed above) to control the disease and lower the risk of complications. You're right -- by connecting with fellow members who have diabetes or at risk, can gather in a private setting and share their challenges, tips and advice with each other. Thanks again for posting! All the best!
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