Diabetes Prevention

Diabetes is a disease that affects 24 million people in the US. Not everyone who has Diabetes realizes that they do, actually about a quarter of those who have the disease do not know it. The bodies of people who have Diabetes do not properly use or produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body by telling the cells to absorb glucose in bloodstream. Glucose is the form of energy that the body can absorb after foods have been digested. Without insulin to prompt the cells to absorb glucose the body is unable to use the energy that it needs to function properly. This results in a sugar surplus in the bloodstream. There are a few different types of Diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes

Out of all those who have Diabetes only 5-10% of individuals who have Diabetes have Type 1 Diabetes. In this type of Diabetes the individual’s body does not produce insulin. They will need to take shots of insulin everyday to ensure that their bodies can absorb glucose.

Diabetes Type 2

The majority of those who have Diabetes have Type 2 Diabetes. Interestingly, many of the people who have Type 2 Diabetes do not know it. With this type of Diabetes an individual’s body does not create enough insulin or use the insulin created appropriately. These people must be cognizant of their sugar levels and focus on keeping them level through exercise and diet. There are also some medications that can assist.

Gestational Diabetes

This occurs during pregnancy in some woman. The results of this can be a baby that gains weight quickly. 5-10% of women who have gestational diabetes will have diabetes after their pregnancy, usually Type 2 Diabetes.

Pre-Diabetes

About 57 million people have pre-diabetes. This is a condition where a person’s blood sugar level is higher than what would be “normal” for that person. Although the sugar levels are higher it is not quite high enough for the individual to be diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.

It is possible to prevent Type 2 Diabetes. This is good since most people who have Diabetes fall into this type. To reduce risks of Type 2 Diabetes you should focus on becoming more physically active as well as eating a balanced diet.

Losing weight and having a healthy balanced diet are two areas to focus to prevent Type 2 Diabetes. By losing 5-7% of your current body weight you will greatly be reducing your level of risk of becoming Type 2 Diabetic. Concentrate your diet on whole grains, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats. Also, you should reduce intake of refined carbohydrates, sugars and sugary drinks. Quit smoking if you currently smoke.

Begin exercising 30 minutes per day can help with losing weight as well as controlling blood sugar levels. By using your muscles more you will help them use insulin more effectively to absorb glucose in your bloodstream to keep blood sugar moderate and not too high.

Diabetes is a serious disease that many people have, whether they know it or not. This disease can be prevented for many with proper care of one’s weight, diet and physical exercise. Sensitivity to sugars and carbohydrates consumed in your diet with the intention of reducing as well as including 30 minutes of exercise per day will dramatically reduce your risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

To learn more about best diets that work check out Crystal Well’s blog. This blog is dedicated to help you in finding the best best diets that work for you!