NOVEMBER IS AMERICAN DIABETES MONTH

The month of November brings attention to diabetes, a disease that affects millions of Americans and can ultimately lead to other serious health problems including kidney failure, heart disease, stoke, nerve damage, and other health problems. With over 30 million Americans living with diabetes in the United States (1), we must be aware of the risks and address preventative tips in avoiding diabetes and maintaining our health. Disclaimer: Please consult your doctor about before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.

Tips for Preventing Diabetes

Exercise and watch your weight – Obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for diabetes. Our lifestyle can dictate whether we become at risk for this disease, so be sure to exercise weekly and speak with your doctor about any weight gain. Implement a course of action for weight loss if needed and pick up healthy habits to keep your body healthy.
Maintain a balanced diet – What we put into our bodies on a daily basis has a great effect on our well-being and health. Consult a nutritionist or dietitian about a food plan that will work best for you in helping you maintain a balance of whole foods such as fruit and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats. It is important to avoid processed foods including processed meat, trans fat, refined carbs, and foods with lots of sugar.
Reach for drinking water above all else – While some of us may be accustomed to drinking soda or juice on a daily basis, the sugars found in these drinks will likely have a negative impact on our health. And don’t forget that “no sugar added” sodas and juices are filled with artificial sweeteners which can also be detrimental to our health. In order to take care of our bodies, switch to plain water!
Avoid smoking – Smoking is not only dangerous in that it can lead to cancer and heart disease, it can also increase our risk of developing diabetes. It is a habit that is best left behind for you and your loved ones.
See your doctor regularly – Be sure to speak with your doctor about proper precautions, lifestyle changes, or additional prevention methods and tests that can be done to check your overall health. Be especially proactive about speaking with your doctor if you have a history of diabetes in your family.