| If you suffer from diabetes, you human body does not make enough of a hormone known as insulin, or you human body does not use insulin it has in the proper way. Insulin helps the body use sugar (glucose) for energy. If untreated, diabetes can cause blindness, neurological and vascular disorders that brings on foot or leg amputation, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and death.
There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 occurs when the body does not make insulin at all. People suffering from type 2 diabetes either do not have a sufficient amount of insulin, or their cells disregard the insulin they have. About 95% of people with diabetes suffer from type 2 diabetes. It is also known as "adult-onset" diabetes.
BE WELL-AWARE OF RISK FACTORS
You are at high risk of type 2 diabetes, if it runs in your family, or if you are a representative of an ethnic minority group. If you gave birth to a child that weighed more than 9 pounds and/or if you had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, you are also likely to develop diabetes. People over the age of 45 are also at higher risk.
CHANGES ARE TO BE DONE
Unfortunately, you cannot do anything to change your age, ethnicity or family history, but there are several factors you can control. Your diabetes risk also raises if:
• You are overweight.
• You do not exercise on a regular basis.
• You have an unhealthy diet.
If you know you are at high risk, making appropriate choices about what you eat and physical activity can help you stay healthy. Studies have shown that consuming a highly nutritious diet and exercising can forestall or delay type 2 diabetes.
If you are obese, keep in mind that obesity is the single most significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes. 80% - 90% of people with diabetes are estimated to be fat. Losing weight and keeping it off can help preclude diabetes. Eat a variety of foods, including high-fiber products, such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Try to get less than 30% of your daily calories from fat foods. Also, watch your portion.
Remember that any amount of physical activity is a lot better than none. Ride an exercise bicycle while you view the evening news or your favorite sitcom. Most of all, make certain you find an activity are fond of, so you will do it regularly.
Hence, eating right and exercising are the keys to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. |
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