Can Diabetes be prevented or delayed?

        Lifestyle changes have proven to reduce your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. One out of three Americans have prediabetes. What is more shocking is 90% of people don’t know they have it. Prediabetes places you at an increased risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and having a stroke. Damage to your blood vessels, heart, and lungs may start with prediabetes.  You may discuss getting tested via a blood test if you are overweight, have an immediate family member with diabetes (mother, father, sister, or brother), over 45 years old, physically active less than 3 times a week, have a history of gestational diabetes, or have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
       To address the national epidemic, the CDC has formulated a National Diabetes Prevention Program which focuses on lifestyle interventions to reduce your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Through the program patients have lowered their risk as much as 58%. Help reduce your risk by

1. Get more physical activity: exercise at least moderate 30 minutes 5 times a week. Examples of moderate activity including taking a brisk walk, swimming, or riding a bike. Discuss what exercise is safe for you with your doctor.
2. Lose excess weight
3. Controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol
4. Eat healthy foods: Do not eat processed foods or fried foods. Avoid sugary foods or beverages. Drink water instead. Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, chicken, fish, and low fat dairy.

You can read more about diabetes prevention and pre-diabetes at:
https://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/Diabetes/AboutDiabetes/Pre-diabetes_UCM_461491_SubHomePage.jsp