If you have wondered or possibly been told that you are at risk for developing diabetes or that you have prediabetes, you should know that diabetes prevention is proven, possible, and powerful. Studies show that people at high risk for diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of the disease by losing 5 to 7 percent of their weight, if they are overweight-that's 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person.
Two keys to success:
Get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity five days a week.
Eat a variety of foods that are low in fat and reduce the number of calories you eat per day.
In other words, you don't have to knock yourself out to prevent diabetes. The key is small steps that lead to big rewards. Learn more about your risk for developing type 2 diabetes and the small steps you can take to delay or prevent the disease and live a long, healthy life.
Diabetes Risk Factors
There are many factors that increase your risk for diabetes. To find out about your risk, note each item on this list that applies to you.
Diabetes Is Preventable
Nearly 29.1 million Americans have diabetes, a serious disease in which blood glucose (blood sugar) levels are above normal. Most people with diabetes have type 2, which used to be called adult-onset diabetes. At one time, type 2 diabetes was more common in people over age 45. But now more young people, even children, have the disease because many are overweight or obese.
Gestational Diabetes
If you had gestational diabetes when you were pregnant, you and your child have a lifelong risk for getting diabetes. Learn what you can do to lower your risk.
Take Small Steps to Prevent Diabetes
When you take steps to prevent diabetes, you will also lower your risk for possible complications of diabetes such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage, and other health problems. That’s a big reward for you and your family and friends.
Diabetes HealthSense
Find tools and programs that can help you with making lifestyle and behavior changes. Diabetes HealthSense also includes research articles on lifestyle changes and behavioral strategies.
Family Health History
Family health history is an important risk factor for developing a number of serious diseases, including type 2 diabetes. In fact, most people with type 2 diabetes have a family member – such as a mother, father, brother, or sister – with the disease.
