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Preventative Treatment of Diabetes

There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type I diabetes is inherited and there is not much a person can do about this condition. Type II diabetes is preventable and largely dependent on a person's lifestyle choices including a balanced diet, exercise and body fat percentages.

  1. Pre-Diabetes

    • More than 57 million Americans have pre-diabetes and should seriously take strides to not allow it to become diabetes. Pre-diabetes is a condition where the blood glucose is higher that it normally should be but is not high enough for the person to be diagnosed with diabetes. If you feel you are at risk, take the Diabetes Risk Test at the American Diabetes Association or consult with your physician. African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders are at higher risk. The Diabetes PHD (Personal Health Decisions) Calculator helps you determine if you are making the right choices when it comes to weight control, smoking and health decisions to give you the first step in preventing diabetes--understanding your diet and exercise habits.

    Exercise

    • If you suffer from pre-diabetes or are at risk, make sure you are increasing your activity level. Those who used exercise with diet modifications showed a 58 percent reduction in diabetes, according to a Diabetes Prevent Program study. It does not take much. With just 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking or bicycling, and losing 5 to 10 percent of your body weight, you are more likely to be successful. For a 200-pound person, this means losing about 10 to 20 pounds. If you are just beginning an exercise regimen, start slowly and do what you can. Setting achievable goals keeps you motivated to get out and do it the next day. So if you can only make it down the street and back for the first day, do this until you can make it around the block and slowly increase your distance and pace.

    Diet

    • What you eat is essential in preventing diabetes, resolving high glucose issues and bringing them back to normal levels. Variety is the key with nutritional success, so trend diets and fad foods do not help the body stay in homeostasis. Eat fruits and vegetables of varying colors and try to refrain from eating starchy vegetables (spinach, carrots and broccoli). Always pick whole grain over processed grains and eat lean meats. Fish is a great dietary protein while dried beans and lentils add good carbohydrates. Reduce your junk food intake that is high calories and fat. Drink water instead of sodas or other sweetened drinks. Diet with exercise is the key to preventing diabetes.

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