There are 24 million people in the US who have Diabetes. Individuals who have Diabetes have bodies that do not produce a hormone called insulin or their bodies do not use insulin the right way. Insulin tells your cells to absorb glucose which is found in your bloodstream. Glucose is the form of energy your body produces from the foods you consume. Without insulin to tell your body to absorb glucose you will not be able to get the energy your body needs to function appropriately. Also, without insulin there is an increase of glucose or sugar levels in your bloodstream. Diabetes has a few different variations, some of which are more serious than others.

Diabetes Type 1

About 5-10% of people have Type 1 Diabetes, which is when the body does not produce insulin. To address this type of Diabetes the individual must take shots of insulin to help their bodies be able to convert starches, sugars and other foods into energy in the form the body needs it to be.

Type 2 Diabetes

The majority of those who have Diabetes have Type 2 Diabetes. Interestingly, many of the people who have Type 2 Diabetes do not know it. With this type of Diabetes an individual’s body does not create enough insulin or use the insulin created appropriately. These people must be cognizant of their sugar levels and focus on keeping them level through exercise and diet. There are also some medications that can assist.

Gestational Diabetes

This type of diabetes can happen during pregnancy in some woman. Often times this can cause the baby to gain weight quickly. After a pregnancy where gestational diabetes occurs 5-10% of woman will have diabetes after their pregnancy, usually Type 2 Diabetes.

Pre-Diabetes

Approximately 57 million people in the US who have high blood sugar levels, however they are not high enough to be considered Type 2 Diabetes. We call this state Pre-Diabetes, if nothing is done to address these higher sugar levels the result will most likely be Type 2 Diabetes.

While some types of Diabetes cannot be avoided it is possible to prevent Type 2 Diabetes. This is done through taking care of your body through appropriate management of diet and physical exercise. Changing lifestyle behaviors to prevent Diabetes will also help you to avoid other life threatening diseases such as heart attacks, strokes and high blood pressure.

Losing weight and having a healthy balanced diet are two areas to focus to prevent Type 2 Diabetes. By losing 5-7% of your current body weight you will greatly be reducing your level of risk of becoming Type 2 Diabetic. Concentrate your diet on whole grains, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats. Also, you should reduce intake of refined carbohydrates, sugars and sugary drinks. Quit smoking if you currently smoke.

Physical exercise should be added into your daily routines. Try to participate in 30 minutes of exercise each day, even if it is just walking. This will help in weight loss but also will help level out your blood sugar in your bloodstream. Working your muscles harder and more often will help them to use insulin better to absorb glucose.

Although Diabetes is a serious disease it is one that you have the ability to prevent by focusing on habits that will help your overall health. Some of these habits are eating a healthy balanced diet and participating in 30 minutes or more of exercise per day. By taking better care of yourself in these ways it will immensely increase your success in preventing Diabetes.

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