Diabetes may be a lifelong disease. However, it is also largely preventable. Type 1 diabetes may inflict younger people, eliminating the chance to do some preventative measures. But type 2 diabetes, which most patients of diabetes are suffering from, can actually be avoided.
Research revealed that delaying or completely preventing type 2 diabetes from occurring can be done through lifestyle modifications and gradual loss of weight. Experts further stated that a weight loss between 5% and 10% is already enough to hinder the development of type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals.
The desired weight loss can be achieved through lifestyle changes which include proper diet and increased physical activity. Studies of this principle showed results which confirmed the role of weight loss in the prevention or delay of diabetes. Specifically, studies discovered that the occurrence of the disease was lessened by about 40%-60% which lasted for a period of 3-6 years.
Weight gain prevention, increased physical activities, and losing weight in small amounts, all have huge impacts on whether or not you will have diabetes later on in life. Thus, weight management is the key in the prevention of diabetes.
Managing Diabetes
One’s choice of food has a huge influence on his level of blood glucose, as well as on his overall well-being. Thus, choosing the right kinds of food can help patients with diabetes regulate their blood sucrose levels.
Reducing one’s level of stress, engaging in exercises and other physical activities, and getting rid of certain habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol intake, can greatly help in the maintenance of better glucose levels.
Further, patients who are overweight or obese can reduce the amount and/or dose of their diabetes medications when they are able to gradually reduce their excess weight. Too much weight and body fat do not only heighten one’s likelihood of having diabetes, but will also increase his chances of having other diseases.
Having diabetes is not comparable to having termites in the house. With diabetes, fatal damages can occur even before a patient feels that something is terribly wrong. However, if diagnosed early, it can be addressed with before any serious and irreversible damage has occurred.
All in all, adopting better nutrition, engaging in physical activities, and properly regulating blood sugar levels work to delay the development of diabetes, as well as prevent the onset of complications.
