Let’s Work on Lowering Your Risk for Diabetes
What is diabetes?
According to the CDC, diabetes is “the condition in which the body does not properly process food for use as energy.” Our bodies are built to break down our food into glucose (sugar) to use for energy. Your pancreas produces insulin, the hormone that helps gets glucose into the cells. Diabetics either don’t produce enough or can’t use the provided insulin, which could lead to some serious issues. There are also several types of diabetes that affect different demographics.
What are some common risk factors for diabetes?
Some common risk factors include:
- Being overweight
- Unhealthy eating
- High blood glucose (sugar)
- High blood pressure
- History of diabetes during pregnancy
- Physical inactivity
- Age, race, gender, and family history
How do I know if I’m pre-diabetic?
Many people never know if they’re pre-diabetic because there are no clear symptoms. Being pre-diabetic simply means your blood glucose levels are elevated. Taking good care of yourself, eating well, staying active, and getting regular physicals are key steps to avoiding this condition.
How can I lower my risk for Type 2 diabetes?
As with any lifestyle choice, moderation is key. Check out these simple tips:
- Snack on healthy foods like fruits and veggies
- Drink water, unsweetened beverages, or diet drinks to limit sugar
- Minimize alcohol intake
- Manage your portion sizes
- Stay active! Tip: 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week will make all the difference!
- Schedule check-ups with your PCP
Where can I find out more information about diabetes prevention?
Culbertson Clinics can provide resources for diabetic prevention and management. If you have questions on how to help yourself or a loved one, contact the expert staff at Culbertson Healthcare Providers for more information!