Preventing and Treating Diabetes
The best way to prevent diabetes is to identify and correct your risk factors. So what are the risk factors?
Preventing Diabetes
1. Sedentary lifestyle
Correction: Exercise 2-3 times per week
2. Poor Diet
Correction: Eat right. Use whole grains instead of white flour. The high fiber content helps keep blood sugar levels steady. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, which are also high in fiber and vitamins needed to maintain good health.
3. Obesity
Correction: Lose weight by eating right and exercising.
4. Age, Race, and Family History
Correction: We can’t change our race, who our parents are, or when we are born. Therefore one should focus on the areas we can change our diet, activity level, and weight.
Treating Diabetes
If you have Diabetes there are several treatment options. They include lifestyle changes, diet, and medication. All people with diabetes are encouraged to watch their diet. People with type I Diabetes (who make no insulin) require insulin replacement. They will be prescribed a diet to follow that takes into consideration nutritional needs and the amount of insulin needed to control blood sugar levels.
People with mild cases of Type II Diabetes may be able to manage their diabetes with lifestyle changes and diet alone. This option may involve losing weight and watching the amounts of sugar and carbohydrates eaten. If you are overweight, losing even five pounds can make a dramatic difference in how your body responds to the insulin you produce.
People with Type II Diabetes whose blood sugar levels are difficult to control may require medication. These medicines work by encouraging the body to make more insulin or by helping the body better use the insulin it already has. If blood sugar levels do not respond the next step is to take insulin.
The importance of prevention and treatment
Diabetes affects the whole body. If left uncontrolled it can result in kidney failure, heart disease, blindness, and even death. These problems can be delayed or prevented by correcting risk factors and following prescribed treatments by your doctor.
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