Thirty million Americans are living with diabetes, and another 86 million have prediabetes or are at risk for diabetes. It is estimated that the total national cost of estimated diabetes is $245 billion. Yet concern from your physician that you are at risk for Type 2 diabetes doesn’t always mean you are destined to progress to the disease. There are, in fact, things in your control that you can do to prevent diabetes or even slow its progression, and in honor of November being American Diabetes Month, we’d like to share them:
See your doctor for regular screenings. Wellness check-ups on a yearly basis are a must. When you have a problem or concern, more frequent visits to monitor your health are beneficial in charting your progress.
Eat well. Foods high in fiber, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lower calorie and lower fat substitution foods will support your wellness incentive to reduce and eliminate your risk for diabetes.
Move, move, move. Physical activity lowers blood glucose levels and decreases body fat. There is no substitute for daily movement. Starting small with taking stairs over elevators, parking at the back of the parking lot, and taking a walk on your lunch break at work are a good beginning for those who need to incorporate more physical activity into their daily regimen.
Lower your weight. Yes, this is also related to movement combined with diet. Sometimes, losing just 5-7% of your body weight can decrease your risk for diabetes by nearly 60%. Those are incredible odds in your favor.
Sleep. Get enough of it on a regular basis. Your body needs to rest in order to use insulin effectively.
DASHA® is a luxury lifestyle brand and New York City-based wellness center created to offer a truly holistic approach to wellness. To learn more, visit dashawellness.com.
