Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/62321
The Skinny on Diabetes If you're at risk for diabetes, slimming down can make all the difference. With summer in full swing, feeling confident in your swimsuit is a great incentive for shedding a few pounds. For people at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, weight loss has an added benefit. The Diabetes Prevention Program, a national research study by the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, found that losing just 5 to 7 percent of your body weight, coupled with moderate-intensity exercise, can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. For people who weigh 200 pounds, this means losing just 10 to 14 pounds may help keep diabetes at bay. In addition to losing weight, remember the following guidelines to reduce your risk of diabetes: • Exercise for 30 minutes a day, at least five days a week • Maintain a well-balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains • Stop smoking "Weight gain is becoming increasingly prevalent in the United States," says Dragana Jokic, MD, primary care physician with Elite Medical Center and on the medical staff at CentraState Medical Center. "Making permanent changes in your lifestyle is the key to managing both your weight and your risk of developing diabetes." To find a primary care physician near you, call (866) CENTRA7 (866-236-8727) or visit www.centrastate.com/doctors. GOT A MINUTE? Meet the Doc: Dragana Jokic, MD Medical specialty: Primary Care Medical school: University of Banja Luka, Bosnia Residency: Monmouth Medical Center, New Jersey What led you to the medical field? I grew up in Yugoslavia, and when I moved to the United States, I didn't even speak English. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do when I started medical school, but I came to love the endocrinology field as I became more immersed in my studies. What have you enjoyed most in your medical practice? I get to see patients of all age groups and all walks of life. I decided to pursue a career in endocrinology because, as a primary care physician, I treat many patients with diabetes, and helping those patients manage their condition and make healthful lifestyle changes is very rewarding. I will begin endocrinology training this summer at the University of Louisville. Office: Elite Medical Center 318 Professional View Drive Freehold, NJ 07728 (732) 409-6440