Diabetes affects nearly 30 million Americans — almost 10 percent of our population. And still, many people have diabetes and don’t know it. Some people are born with diabetes and others have a genetic risk, but more and more cases are being diagnosed because of lifestyle choices.
You can reduce your risk of developing diabetes by following these recommendations:
Get your glucose levels checked. A blood glucose test will help you understand whether you’re pre-diabetic and what your chances are of developing diabetes.
Eat healthier. Consume a healthy diet that is low in calories and saturated fats. Include more vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains
Be physically active. The best way to stay healthy is to exercise. You can find easy ways to increase activity in your day-to-day life. Try walking a few days a week, take the stairs, park further away from your destination and walk across the parking lot, and similar strategies.
Quit smoking. People who smoke double their chances of developing diabetes. It may seem difficult, but there are many evidence-based methods you can use to quit smoking.
Limit alcohol. Heavy drinkers are more prone to gain weight, and obesity increases the risk of diabetes.
Get sufficient sleep. Adequate sleep will keep your energy levels high during the day. Aim for at least seven to eight hours and do what you can to sleep better throughout the night.
Manage stress. The more you get stressed, the more you’ll tend to follow unhealthy habits. There are many simple ways you can cope with stress, including exercising to boost your mood.
Get regular health checkups. Make sure you get an annual physical and stay in touch with your doctor.
