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Can You Reverse Diabetes?

With over 23 million people in the United States diagnosed with some form of diabetes, it's important to know the facts about what it is and how to minimize your chances of contracting it. Diabetes is a disease in which your body does not properly produce the hormone insulin. Type 1 diabetes is not reversible or preventable as it is an autoimmune disease, but there are ways to delay or even prevent the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

  1. Know Your Risk

    • Before developing Type 2 diabetes, many people actually have what's known as pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes is when your blood sugar level is higher than normal, but not so high as to be officially classified as diabetes. Certain factors can increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, so it's important to identify if your risk is higher than normal. High risk factors for diabetes include heredity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

    Healthy Eating

    • One of the biggest impacts on your health is your diet. Food that is high in calories, sugar and fat can severely affect your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Lower your sodium intake and alcohol consumption to avoid empty calories. Eat more fruits and vegetables and increase your fiber intake to stay healthy.

    Exercise

    • Regular exercise keeps your risk of Type 2 diabetes at bay by helping to control your cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as keeping those extra pounds off. Exercising also helps your body use your insulin more efficiently. Just 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week can reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Aerobic exercise is a great way to stay fit, and can include walking, swimming or bicycling.

    Maintain a Healthy Weight

    • Obesity is one of the main high risks for developing diabetes, so losing as little as 10 pounds can help to lower this risk. Being overweight can also hinder your body's efficient production and use of insulin, which can affect your blood sugar levels. High blood pressure is also a concern, which is another risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes. Crash diets don't work---instead, change your eating plan and slowly increase your physical activity.

    Medications

    • There is no magic pill to ward off diabetes, but if you require medication for diagnosed high blood pressure or cholesterol levels, take it regularly. Controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol are important steps in lowering your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and can be done through a combination of developing a healthy lifestyle and proper medication. Lowering your cholesterol and blood pressure is also beneficial to your heart health.

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