How To Prevent The Development Of Diabetes
As dangerous condition that impacts millions of people around the world, diabetes is a disease that has seen amazing growth due to the unhealthy lifestyles and weight problems of the average American. Some individuals may be more likely to develop diabetes, but there are healthy lifestyle habits all individuals may consider, to reduce the likelihood of developing this deadly condition.
1. Exercise
Exercise offers the body tremendous benefit and helps to prevent diabetes by helping to regulate insulin production. The natural benefit of a tighter waistline and lower cholesterol is an added benefit. A stressful exercise program isn’t required for full benefit. A person may receive am advantage from the simple act of walking regularly.
2. Stop smoking
Smoking is a terrible health risk, but the worry of gaining weight shouldn’t be something that stops a person from quitting the habit. Although weight gain after quitting smoking is fairly common, a few pounds gained after stopping smoking is a small price to pay for the reduction in risk for diabetes.
3. Increase fruit and vegetable intake
Eating fruits and vegetables on a regular basis of at least six servings per day helps to regulate and control weight, and also helps improve overall health. An increase of eating fruits and vegetables is often best paired with a corresponding reduction in processed foods and meats, which have a terrific amount of sodium.
4. Get enough rest
A chronic lack of sleep may result in an increased chance of developing diabetes, and medical professionals suggest that a person should get at least 6 hours of sleep each night. Some doctors believe that the body cannot regulate its appetite as well without consistent sleep and blood sugar levels might also suffer with lack of sleep.
5. Always eat breakfast
By eating breakfast, an individual will be able to reduce his or her chance to develop diabetes because the act of eating helps to regulate the blood sugar and also makes it less likely that someone will overeat during the day. The best decisions for breakfast will always be healthy foods like fruit, but eating anything in the morning will always be beneficial.
6. Increase fiber consumption
Fiber is a very valuable part of a healthy diet, but it’s also particularly valuable for individuals who wish to lower their risk for diabetes. Fiber helps to regulate blood sugar levels, which is one of the most important elements of keeping diabetes at bay.
Diabetes is a dangerous disease, and it’s important to engage in lifestyle changes to decrease the chances of developing the condition. The American Diabetes Association suggests that there are almost 26 million people in the United States alone with diabetes and a large portion of these people do not undergo diabetes screening when they should. This represents more than 8 percent of the population and includes an estimated 7 million people who have no idea they have diabetes.
An individual may be more susceptible to developing diabetes, and for individuals middle-aged or older, are a race other than Caucasian, or who have a family history of the condition, preventative measures are vital for ensuring a healthy life without diabetes.
Michael Smith is a keen health blogger and often contributes to many publications. To see more of Michael’s work head on over to Follow Health.
