Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes
Diabetes can be a very serious disease. You have the power; however, to reduce your risk of developing diabetes. Many of the lifestyle choices you make every day have a tremendous amount to do with your susceptibility of being diagnosed with diabetes. Tthis article will provide you with some helpful tips on lessening your risk.
Engaging in regular physical activity offers numerous benefits to your health, such as lowered blood pressure and improved circulation and flexibility. Regular exercise also significantly reduces your risk of developing diabetes. If you’ve never regularly exercised before, relax! You don’t need to engage in strenuous, rigorous marathon-level training to reap the benefits of getting your body moving. Low impact aerobics a couple of times a week will do the trick, as will going for regular walks. You also don’t need to exercise for long periods at a time – taking three ten minute walks several times a week; for example, will do the trick just fine.
Your diet plays a large role in your overall health, and particularly in terms of your risk of being diagnosed with diabetes. Are you making the best culinary choices for your health? If not, it is never too late to start. Simple steps can make a big difference in the long run. If you eat dairy products; for example, stick with those that are lower in fat, such as low yogurt and milk. Likewise, if you eat meat, reduce your consumption of it, and choose meat that is lower in fat, such as turkey and lean cuts of beef. It goes without saying that meat should be prepared in as healthy a manner as possible. Grill your chicken; for example, rather than frying it. Eat whole grains as often as possible, and forgo white rice and white bread. And you can never eat too many fruits and veggies!
There are numerous reasons to stop smoking, and lessening your chance of being diagnosed with diabetes is just one of them. Those who smoke are at a greater likelihood of receiving this diagnosis. So, if you don’t smoke, do not start! If you do smoke, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss quitting.
Keeping tabs on your blood glucose levels is important. Your glucose levels can be influenced by factors such as your diet, your fitness level (or lack thereof) and stress. We’ve already covered diet and fitness in this article, so it’s worth focusing on some stress reduction tips briefly. One of the most effective ways to reduce stress is through regular exercise, so let this be a further motivation to get in shape. Keeping a journal is another way to reduce stress, as is getting a good night’s sleep on a regular basis.
There are several basic lifestyle changes that you can make to reduce your likelihood of developing diabetes. The two biggest steps you can take are to start engaging in regular exercise and eating healthier. Your overall health will thank you.
