| General practitioners distinguish two types of diabetes. Type 1 occurs when the body does not produce insulin at all. People suffering from type 2 diabetes either are deficient in insulin, or their cells ignore the insulin their body makes. Nearly 95% of people with diabetes suffer from type 2 diabetes. This is sometimes also called "adult-onset" diabetes. If untreated, diabetes can cause blindness, neurological and vascular disorders that leads to foot or leg amputation, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and death.
BE AWARE OF RISK FACTORS
If you gave birth to a kid that weighed more than 9 pounds and/or if you had gestational diabetes while you were pregnant, you are also likely to develop diabetes. 45-year-olds and older are in the risk group, too. You are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, if it runs in your family. Type 2 diabetes is more often observed in African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans or Pacific Americans.
MAKE CHANGES
You can do nothing to change your age, your ethnicity or your family history, but there are some factors that you can take control of. The risk of developing diabetes also heightens if:
• You are obese.
• You do not take exercise regularly.
• You have an unhealthy diet.
If you are aware that you are at higher risk, making good choices about what you eat and drink and physical activity can help you stay healthy. In fact, studies have shown that sticking to a healthy diet and taking exercise can preclude or delay type 2 diabetes.
If you are overweight, remember that a large weight gain is the single most crucial risk factor for type 2 diabetes. According to estimates, 80%- 90% of people with diabetes are fat. Losing weight and keeping it off can help prevent diabetes. Consume a variety of products, including those containing a lot of fiber. Try to get less than 30% of your daily calories from fat foods. Also, eat less.
Keep in mind that any amount of physical activity is a lot better than none. Ride an exercise bike while you view the evening news program or your favorite series. Most of all, make certain you take up an activity are fond of, so you will stick with it.
By being aware of your risk factors and getting into the habit of eating healthy foods andexercising, you can control your wellness. |
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