According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 122 million Americans live with diabetes, a chronic disease that affects the way your body converts food into energy. While there are three main types of diabetes – type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes – type 2 is by far the most common and preventable. “If you spot any of the symptoms, seek help as early detection of diabetes can be key to preventing it from getting worse,” he says Dr. Deena Adimoolam, a Yale-trained endocrinologist specializing in diabetes, food as medicine, and metabolic health. Knowing the common habits that help prevent this from happening to you can help prevent this from happening to you. Here are five surprising habits that can lead to diabetes.
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High blood pressure is a risk factor for diabetes. The American Diabetes Association announces that nearly one and three American adults have high blood pressure, and two in three have diabetes. “When your blood pressure is high, your heart works harder and your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other problems increases,” they explain.
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Per the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Obesity plays an important role in the development of diabetes. “You can potentially prevent or delay diabetes by losing 5 to 10% of your current weight,” they claim. “And once you’ve lost weight, the important thing is that you don’t get it back.”
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Diet plays a huge role in the development of type 2 diabetes. The NIDDK explains that reducing caloric intake is critical to losing weight and keeping it off. “Your diet should be smaller servings and less fat and sugar. You should also eat a variety of foods from every food group, including plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. It is also a good idea to limit red meat and avoid processing meat.” , propose.
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Exercise is also important when it comes to your health, including helping you lose weight and lower your blood sugar levels. “Both of these lower your risk of type 2 diabetes,” says the NIDDK. They suggest doing at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week. “Some physical activity in everyday life can help lower blood sugar and possibly prevent type 2 diabetes,” he says DR. Adimoolam. “Daily activities can even help you lose weight and improve your heart health.”
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Taking the pack off can help keep diabetes at bay. “Smoking can contribute to insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. If you already smoke, try to quit,” suggests the NIDDK.
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If you are facing the following symptoms, according to the CDCCall a doctor:
- Urinating (peeing) a lot, often at night
- Are very thirsty
- Lose weight without trying
- Are very hungry
- Blurred vision
- Do you have numb or tingly hands or feet?
- Feel very tired
- I have very dry skin
- Do you have wounds that are slow to heal
- Have more infections than usual
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