The rising epidemic of diabetes worldwide is of major concern to health professionals. Type 2 diabetes, once referred to as late onset diabetes, is a form of the blood disorder where the body fails to produce any or enough insulin to convert the sugar in the blood into glucose that the body’s cells can use.
Like type 1 diabetes – which is less common and is usually diagnosed in early years or before an individual reaches 40 – there is no cure for type 2 diabetes. However, it is possible to prevent the condition from developing.
Following a healthy diet, losing weight and exercising more to control blood sugar levels are all ways in which people can avoid developing diabetes. The majority of those who become diabetic are overweight or clinically obese; they are also likely to display hypertension or high blood pressure; while a history of diabetes in the family will increase an individual’s risk of developing the condition.
If you are concerned that you are at risk of type 2 diabetes or have a history of the disease in your family, you can follow some simple steps to reduce that risk.
To start, find out more about the condition – talk to your doctor and seek out information from charities dedicated to finding a cure for diabetes. Screening can reveal if you are at risk. Becoming more aware of the risks and symptoms of diabetes is a good start to avoiding the disease.
Where necessary change your diet to a healthier one that encourages good glycaemic control and also helps you to lose weight and maintain that weight loss. Again you can get professional advice on nutrition and on following a specific weight loss program. Eating the right amounts and in the right balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and sugar will help.
Exercise is crucial and should be incorporated into everyone’s daily routine. Even a gentle stroll will help make you more active while housework and gardening where you work up a sweat and get your heart rate up are ideal.
If you are unfortunate enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you can learn to manage and control your condition so that you continue to live a happy, fulfilling life.
Comments are closed.