National Diabetes Awareness Month: Prevention Tips
Anonym
/ Categories: Health

National Diabetes Awareness Month: Prevention Tips

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, a month dedicated to increasing awareness about diabetes by bringing people all around the world together through various initiatives. Each year National Diabetes Month has a theme, promoting various types of diabetes. 2019’s theme is the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Knowing the risks and signs of diabetes can go a long way towards reducing your risk.


30.3 million US adults have diabetes, and 1 in 4 of them don’t know they have it. The majority of these cases are Type 2 diabetes, meaning cells fail to respond to insulin.With Type 1, often referred to as juvenile diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. Many people are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, including those with a family history or obesity. Risk factors include: genetics, lifestyle and age. Luckily, there are many ways to reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.


Here are some helpful tips to reduce the risk of diabetes:


Maintain a Healthy Weight- Obesity is the number one risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Practicing portion control and eating a healthy diet, along with exercise, can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk for diabetes.

Make sure to move- A sedentary lifestyle is one of the risk factors commonly associated with Type 2 diabetes. If you have to sit for the majority of your workday, try taking the stairs instead of the elevator and make sure to get up and move at least once every two hours.

Drink Water- According to the American Diabetes Association, sodas and other sugary beverages increase the risk of obesity and diabetes. Drinking at least eight 8oz glasses of water a day will keep you hydrated and is a healthy alternative to sugary beverages.

Adjust Your Diet- Eating a low-calorie diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables is a great way to maintain a healthy weight and potentially reduce your risk of diabetes. Include vegetables with every meal   and avoid foods high in trans-fat, saturated fat and sugar. Foods high in fat and sugar are closely linked to obesity which increases the risk of diabetes.

Take Steps to Reduce Stress- Stress has been linked to an increase in blood sugar. Try to reduce stress by taking meditation breaks and practicing mindfulness. Taking some time for yourself will help you relax and reduce stress.

See Your Doctor Regularly- It is important to have regular checkups with your doctor to monitor your health and make sure you are not displaying any diabetic symptoms. Type 2 symptoms are often less pronounced than type 1 symptoms, making it important to regularly visit your doctor.

 

While there are a variety of factors that cause someone to develop diabetes, taking the right steps can go a long way to reduce the risk of diabetes. If you would like to get involved and participate in National Diabetes Month, the American Diabetes Association and JDRF both have ways to get involved.

Previous Article The Lowdown on Short-Term Care
Next Article How to Celebrate the Holidays for a Loved One in the Hospital
Print
3215

x
logo-bflic
logo-bankersworksite
© 2021 Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company. All rights reserved. Product Notes Terms Of Use Privacy Statement

Neither Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company® nor its Medicare Supplement policies are affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government, the federal Medicare program, or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This is a solicitation of Medicare Supplement insurance and an independent agent may call on you. The Medicare Supplement products issued by the Company are insurance policies. Policy form series B 21092 is issued by Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company®, Atlanta, GA; policy form series B 21492 is issued by Bankers Fidelity Assurance CompanyTM, Atlanta, GA. Limitations and exclusions apply; actual policy provisions control. Rates subject to change on a class basis. Individually underwritten; application to determine eligibility required.

Bankers Fidelity is not licensed to sell any products in CA, CT, NY or VT.  Medicare Supplement products are not available in: AK, FL, HI, ID, ME, MA, MN, MO, NE, NH, OR, RI, WA or WI.  Plan availability can vary by state.