How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

There are several ways that a person can prevent Type 2 diabetes. It starts with a checkup with your Doctor to see if you are pre-diabetic. Once this is determined and you are aware you can take control of your health to prevent Adult Type 2 Diabetes from becoming part of your life.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Read up on the symptoms.
• Get a checkup from your Doctor.
• Know your numbers.
• Watch your weight, your diet and your activity level.

1. 
    
   Some symptoms of Diabetes 2

   When you see your Doctor, he/she will want you to take a fasting glucose level test. Glucose is the blood sugar which your body uses for energy. Having diabetes means that your body isn't metabolizing sugar as it should be. If your fasting blood sugar is 120 mg/dL that means that you have prediabetes. Prediabetes means that your blood sugar levels are not high enough to be registers as full blown diabetes.

2. 
    
   Health risks of full blown Diabetes

   These are the important numbers to know. If your fasting glucose level is under 100 mg/dL you do NOT have diabetes or prediabetes. If your fasting glucose level is 100 mg/dL to 125 mg/dL you have prediabetes. If your fasting glucose level is 126 mg/dL or more you have diabetes. If you are prediabetic you have have an increased risk for heart problems and if you don't start a good health regimen you could end up being on multiple medications and have full blown diabetes within 15 years.

3. 
    
   Diet, exercise and weight loss can reverse prediabetes.

   Once you know your numbers there are things you can do to reverse the risk. 58% of people with prediabetes can prevent or reduce their risk of getting full blown Diabetes 2 by changing their lifestyle. This means a 5 to 10% weight loss and adding physical activity like a daily 30 minute walk to your daily routine. Eating smaller portions and adding more fruits and vegetables with less soda and juice to your diet can help you reverse your prediabetes.

Tips & Warnings

• Work on reducing stress in your life.
• Watch your eating habits.
• Be concerned about your future health.
• Get 30 minutes of exercise a day.
• Be aware of unusual weigh gain especially around the belly.
• Be aware of unusual thirst.
• Be aware of unusual bathroom trips to urinate.