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Diabetes Prevention and Control Programs

Diabetes is a serious condition that affects how your body distributes blood sugar. When it comes to blood sugar, it does not matter if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Your body produces too much glucose, and as a result, serious complications can ensue. There are ways that you can help yourself prevent type 2 and gestational diabetes. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented.

  1. Eating Healthy

    • Eating healthy can have a big impact on your body, and how your body processes the food you eat into fuel. Eating too many carbohydrates, such as white bread or white rice, isn't good because carbohydrates get processed as sugar. This can be bad if you're predisposed to becoming diabetic (by genetics or family history). Whole grains are better for the body, and are a good source of fiber. According to the Mayo Clinic, eating greater amounts of fiber in your diet helps control blood sugar, reducing the danger you'll contract diabetes. Whole grains also help to control blood sugars, so when buying whole grain foods, always look on the label for the word "whole" (it needs to be the first word on the ingredients list).

    Exercise

    • Exercise is vital in the prevention of diabetes. You should try to fit at least 30 minutes of exercise into your schedule every day, according to the Mayo Clinic. Exercise can include biking, swimming or even walking. Exercise doesn't always have to be vigorous, just as long as it becomes part of your daily routine. Being physically active is another way to lower your blood sugar levels, and keep them normal.

    Lose Weight

    • The Mayo Clinic also advises that losing weight reduces your chances for developing diabetes. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, aim to lose 5 percent of your body weight (which would be 10 pounds). If you're overweight, work with a nutritionist to discover a healthy weight range for your body size. However, don't try to losing weight quickly on a fad diet. These diets may get results early, but many individuals gain the weight back once the diet is over. Aim for realistic goals, such as losing one to two pounds a week, while exercising and eating healthy.

    Moral Support

    • While you are responsible for your goals and how you wish to prevent diabetes, it's also important to have family and friends support you. It will prove helpful, for instance, if a sibling or buddy exercises with you. Surround yourself with as comprehensive a support group as you can. See if a diabetes educator (at your local hospital) can help you with such things as eat-healthy advice and guidelines on proper food portions.

    An Official Diabetes Program

    • The Centers for Diseases Control (CDC) has a state-based diabetes prevention and control program map. Their site allows you to specifically pick your state, and information on control programs, Internet access to these programs and contact information will be provided to you. You'll receive the latest info on the disease, its impacts (complications, medications) and advice on how you can improve the quality of your life.

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