AN ESTIMATED 29.1 million Americans have Type 2
diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association.
When it comes to preventing the disease, lifestyle choices
make a huge difference.
A DIET RENOVATION
A clinical research study sponsored by the National Institute
of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases found that
individuals who lose weight, decrease their total daily fat
intake, and increase their activity levels often successfully
prevent diabetes.
"A diet that contributes to excess weight plays a major
role in diabetes development," says Peggy Marchini, certified
diabetes educator at KishHealth System. "I recommend
individuals eat all food groups in moderation and consume
whole rather than processed foods. Skipping meals also
contributes to diabetes risk, so it's important to regularly
eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner."
A DOSE OF DAILY EXERCISE
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends
all adults exercise at least 150 minutes each week, which
is equivalent to 20 to 25 minutes per day. If you are new
to exercise, have pre-diabetes, or have diabetes, Marchini
recommends checking with your doctor before beginning
an exercise plan and tailoring your activities to your current
fitness level.
"When people start out, we often suggest chair or
seated exercises," Marchini says. "From that point forward,
individuals can slowly become more active as their fitness
improves."
To schedule a consultation with a diabetes educator at the
KishHealth System Diabetes Education Center in DeKalb
or Sandwich, call 815.748.8378.
Put Diabetes
N
THE
RUN
LOWER
YOUR
DIABETES
RISK
BY
EATING
A
HEALTHY
DIET
AND
SQUEEZING
IN
A
DAILY
WORKOUT.
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