Your health is so important, and if you know that you can do something in advance to benefit it, would you do so? If you’re nodding, then you will likely appreciate the info below. While you cannot prevent type 1 diabetes, there are steps to take to lower the risks of getting Type 2 diabetes (T2D) or even prevent it altogether. Of course, every person is different, and these results are not guaranteed.
The lifestyle activities that may benefit you are:
Did You Know? Fiber Matters
Eating enough fiber is something you likely already know is good for digestion and helps fill you up, so you are less likely to eat empty calories. But were you aware that it can also lower your risks of specific diseases, including T2D?
There is research supporting the connection between more dietary fiber and type 2 diabetes prevention. It can help with glycemic control and maintaining a healthy weight. Also, fiber may promote good gut bacteria, and more studies are needed on that potential link.
Adding fiber to a meal plan may also help a type 1 diabetic by balancing blood sugar levels. That can slow the rate at which the body absorbs carbohydrates. As a result, your body maintains more even energy levels throughout the day, reducing the chances of blood sugar levels spiking, potentially leading to a diabetic emergency.
Getting More Active
Movement can help the body in so many ways, and by doing so you may be delaying or reducing your risks of T2D. That’s another reason to go to the gym soon or make simple adjustments in your day, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work.
There are several reasons why exercise can be helpful. Firstly, it encourages weight loss for bigger people, which is important as carrying extra pounds increases the risk of getting diabetes (type 2). Specifically, it is the extra body fat that puts an obese person at risk.
Secondly, being more active can improve your body’s functions, including how well it uses insulin and absorbs sugar. There are also cardiovascular benefits. As for what exercise to do, it does not have to be super intense. Walking is good for a lot of people, for example. Doing an activity you like makes you more likely to stick with it.
Dental Care and Diabetes
Good dental habits can go a long way toward helping your body. Regularly brushing your teeth, flossing, and getting dental checkups can reduce inflammation in the body. That is because these activities, when done regularly, combined, lower your chances of gum disease.
That prevents inflammation that can increase glucose levels and elevate the risks of T2D. Regularly going for checkups at a dentist like https://rosedentalnashua.com/dental-services/comprehensive-dental-checkup-services/ can help you by providing dental cleaning to prevent gum disease. The professional can also catch issues early on, such as bleeding gums, to take steps to improve your health.
As for how often to see a dentist, most people find twice a year makes sense. For those who are diagnosed as diabetics, speak with the dentist about what is appropriate for you, as regularly seeing them can prevent complications.
What You Eat (Beyond Fiber)
If you want to prevent or reduce your chances of getting T2D, what you eat matters a lot, as with many other diseases. It is amazing how what we choose to put into our bodies can help or hinder our lives. That makes making thoughtful decisions about what to buy at the grocery store more important than ever, along with reducing bad eating habits like intermittent fasting.
At the core of healthier eating are a range of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You’ll notice there’s no description of foods that you would find in a box on the grocery shop shelf. That’s because those are processed foods that can contain a lot of sodium and sugar, as well as other things that, in excess, are not good for most people.
As for having more whole grains, that’s in contrast to refined grains. Having the whole grain, without any parts of it removed, means you get the bran and germ, which makes for a higher amount of fiber. As earlier mentioned, fiber can be beneficial.
Avoiding (Or Reducing) Smoking and Alcohol
While what you do is important, so is what you eliminate from your lifestyle. Cutting back or stopping drinking booze can be helpful because heavy alcohol consumption makes controlling blood sugar levels difficult for some adults. Researchers need to study the effect on age more, such as the impact on elderly folks.
Smoking cigarettes, in addition to putting you at risk for other diseases, can increase the chances of T2D if the body becomes less resistant to insulin over time. While cutting out cigs is difficult, it is possible with the right treatments.
Conclusion on Reducing or Preventing Type 2 Diabetes
To know that you may be able to prevent or delay T2D is a powerful feeling! Especially when so many other things can feel out of your control. Plus, it feels good to do something for yourself that has your best interests in mind.
Along with potentially helping your physical health, the steps you take can improve your life from a mental health perspective. As you eat better, for example, you may find you have more energy. That can lead to more time with friends and family and a feeling of better balance overall in life.
You are putting yourself first, and that is beautiful to see. All the best to you in your health journey!
A Final Note
Please note that I am not a doctor, and this is not medical advice. Always listen to your doctor first! They know your health history and can create the right treatment plan for you. If you worry that you have diabetes or are at high risk for this disease, see your doctor. Also, get their permission before starting a new diet or exercise plan to make sure it is safe for you.
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