Lifestyle changes can prevent diabetes

This last Tuesday was Diabetes Alert Day. The date was created as a wake up call to raise awareness about one of the most common conditions in the US. Approximately 993,082 people in Illinois, or 10.0% of the adult population, have diagnosed diabetes. An additional 296,000 people in Illinois have diabetes but don't know it, greatly increasing their health risk. We gathered some statistics to help us understand how much it affecting our society.

• Diabetes impacts approximately 34.2 million Americans. That’s about 10.5 percent of the U.S. population.

• Of those living with diabetes, 7.3 million – 1 in 7 adults – don’t know they have it.

• The risk of developing diabetes increases with age. But there are other factors, too. Ethnic background may increase your risk.

• An additional 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes each year.

There are two types of diabetes. While Type 1 diabetes is not as preventable, it can be managed well with insulin injections. Managing Type 1 diabetes might also require frequent blood sugar monitoring, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. Education is key to learning how to manage symptoms of Type 1 diabetes. However, type 2 is much more preventable, and some actions can be taken. 

Ways to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes:

• Eliminate sugar and refined carbs

• Work out regularly and avoid a sedentary lifestyle

• Make water the primary beverage

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Quit smoking

• Eat a high fiber diet

• Optimize Vitamin D levels

• Take natural herbs, such as tumeric and berberine, that increase insulin sensitivity

Type 2 diabetes is not preventable for everyone. However, making healthy choices provides the best chance of not getting it. In the United States, 9 out of every 10 cases of diabetes can be avoided if the above lifestyle changes are implemented. Families, home care service providers and caregivers can all work together to make healthy choices easier.