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DIABETES AWARENESS
Lifestyle Changes to Control & Prevent Type 2 Diabetes By: Gloria Mathur
Chair Diabetes Awareness
Diabetes is one of the leading cause of disability and death in the US. One in 10 Americans have diabetes, that’s more than 30 million people. Another 84 million adults in the US are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Depending on the age, weight and other factors, you may be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The good news is, type 2 diabetes can be prevented through efforts geared toward awareness, prevention and treatment.
As Lions, we are dedicated to fighting diabetes epidemic to improve lives, strengthen families & revitalize communities.
Here are some of the lifestyles changes to control and prevent type 2 diabetes.
• Watch your weight - by losing just 7% of your body weight you can reduce the risk for
diabetes
• Eat healthy - this is crucial when you have diabetes because what you eat affects your
blood sugar. Limit foods that are high in sugar and fat. Remember, carbohydrates turn into sugar, so watch your carb intake. Get plenty of fruits,
vegetables whole grains. Focus on eating only as much as your body needs.
• Exercise - exercising moderately ( brisk walk, ride a bike) 5 days a week can reduce the
risk for type 2 diabetes by 58%. An active lifestyle helps control your diabetes by bringing down your blood sugar. It also lowers your chances of getting heart disease, plus it can help you lose extra pounds and ease stress.
• Get checkups - Diabetes raises your odds of heart disease. Learn your ABC (A1c, blood Pressure, Cholesterol). Get a full eye exam every year and visit your foot doctor
for problems like foot ulcers and nerve damage.
• Manage stress - when you are stressed your blood sugar levels go up. Find ways to
your stress-through deep breathing, yoga or hobbies that relax you.
• Stop smoking - Diabetes makes you more likely to have health problems, like heart
type 2
disease, eye disease, stroke, kidney disease, blood vessel disease, nerve damage and foot problems. If you smoke your chances of getting these problem is even higher. Smoking can make it harder to exercise. Consult with your doctor about ways to quit smoking.
• Watch your alcohol - if you choose to drink, don’t overdo it. The American Diabetes Association states that women who drink alcohol have no more than one drink a day and men should have no more than two. Alcohol can make your blood sugar
go too high or too low. Check your blood sugar. Some drinks like wine coolers maybe high in carbohydrates. Take this into account when you count carbs.
November is the time of the year when all eyes are on “Diabetes”, for November is National Diabetes Awareness month and every year the World Diabetes Day is on Nov. 14th. Join the fight against diabetes! ACT NOW.
to check relieve
VOLUME 28 ISSUE 5 / NOVEMBER 2017 PAGE 25