Diabetes: You Can Reduce Your Risk
Posted on May 31, 2022
Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that aids in the transport and use of carbohydrates, like simple sugar and starch, to generate energy, which is needed for daily life. Pre-diabetes is when your blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. This can be due to a lower insulin level than what your body requires or insulin resistance, which happens when cells in your muscles, fat, and liver don’t respond well to insulin and cannot use glucose from your blood for energy. It can also put you at greater risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Here’s what to know to help prevent diabetes, and control it if you have the disease:
| Diabetes risk factors | Lowering diabetes risk | Preventing diabetes complications |
|---|---|---|
| Being overweight or obese | Make healthy, low-fat food choices: eat more fruits and veggies. | Control high blood pressure |
| Having a family history of diabetes | Be active. Walk or do something active for 30 minutes each day. | Control high cholesterol |
| Leading a sedentary lifestyle | If you smoke, stop smoking. | Get A1c levels checked |
| Having high blood pressure | If you are overweight, try to lose weight. | Have an annual eye exam |
| Having high cholesterol | Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can increase blood sugar and blood pressure. |
If you have any of the above risk factors or questions about diabetes, talk to your primary care provider (PCP). A blood test can be done that measures your glucose levels, which can tell if you have diabetes or pre-diabetes. If you have diabetes, you and your PCP can work together to help manage your disease.
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