Small Changes Could Help Prevent Type-2 Diabetes
4/19/2023
Type-2 diabetes is on the rise among children and young adults
BIRMINGHAM, AL (April 19, 2023) – Over 30 million Americans have Type-2 diabetes. If left untreated, the disease can significantly increase the risk of stroke and heart attack, cause blindness, lead to kidney failure, or even the loss of limbs and other serious conditions.
While Type-2 diabetes is most often diagnosed in adults 45 and older with a family history of the disease or in those who are overweight or obese, the condition is now becoming more prevalent in children, teens and young adults. Fortunately, there are small lifestyle changes and habits that can help prevent this chronic condition in people of all ages, while also improving overall health.
As the most common type of diabetes, Type-2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin and is unable to move sugar out of the bloodstream. This happens when someone consumes too much sugar and or carbohydrates over a long period of time, exhausting the body’s response to insulin.
“The reality is that there is no cure for Type-2 diabetes, so taking steps to prevent this disease is your best course of action,” says Neil Tindell, D.O., primary care physician with Grandview Medical Group. “Even small changes in lifestyle, like taking a daily walk or drinking water instead of soda or juice, can make a big impact on your health and potentially ward off a diabetes diagnosis.”
Dr. Tindell suggests four ways to prevent Type-2 diabetes.
- Manage weight and belly fat: Excess weight in the abdomen and obesity are main causes of Type-2 diabetes. Experts recommend maintaining a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 and a waistline of less than 35 inches for women and less than 40 inches for men.
- Exercise regularly: Daily exercise can help avoid heart disease, reduce stress and Type-2 diabetes. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise, like walking or biking, and two strength workouts each week.
- Move more: Additional movement beyond exercise can also help keep off weight. Consider taking the stairs rather than an elevator or standing during work meetings to add more movement into daily life.
- Eat fresh food: Avoid overly processed foods like chips, candy and deli meats, and focus on foods rich in fiber and nutrients like fruits, vegetables and lean protein.
There is some encouraging news for those with concerns. “Even though diabetes isn’t curable, it is very preventable. Taking the above steps, in addition to talking with your primary care doctor about undergoing routine screening, is a great place for anyone to start,” says Dr. Tindell.
Unfortunately, Type-2 diabetes could take years to develop, and symptoms are often hard to detect. If you experience extreme fatigue, increased frequency of urination, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet or blurred vision, it is important to get tested. Don’t wait until your annual physical, contact your primary care physician as soon as possible, and take control of your health.
To learn more about preventing Type-2 diabetes, or to schedule a wellness exam, visit https://www.grandviewmedicalgroup.com/doctors-providers.
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https://www.healthline.com/health-news/type-2-diabetes-how-nitrates-in-meat-and-other-foods-can-increase-risk
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/disease-prevention/diabetes-prevention/preventing-diabetes-full-story/#:~:text=Type%202%20diabetes%20is%20largely,healthy%20diet%2C%20and%20not%20smoking.
https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm
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https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevent-type-2/type-2-kids.html
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324875#is-it-common
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