It is said that prevention is better than cure. To prevent, however, one needs to know how. You also need to understand the disease you are trying to prevent. There are some who don't know that diabetes is a lifestyle disease. If you understand this, you would know that diabetes prevention simply means adopting healthy lifestyle changes. One of the first changes you will have to make is starting to eat right. The key is to eat in moderation – have regular mealtimes and eat lots of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. It is quite simple - control what you eat, cut back on refined carbohydrates and sugary drinks. Control when you eat. Maintaining regular mealtimes affects your blood sugar levels and keeps them consistent. Control how much you eat. Eat more foods rich in nutrients and low in fat and moderate your calorie intake. Eat lots of fiber
Another major change needed is exercise. Vigorous walking keeps your heart rate healthy so 30 minutes each day can not only help you lose weight (if you need to) but will also cut your risk of developing diabetes. You see, exercise enhances your immune system, builds muscle and bones, strengthens your heart and lungs, helps your metabolism and lowers blood sugar. If you have a sedentary job, exercise is even more important as your body needs to keep active. If you smoke, this is another habit you have to change. Smoking is associated with developing diabetes. If you consume alcohol, you need to be aware of your alcoholic intake and cut back on it as alcoholic beverages contain carbohydrates, which contribute to developing Type II diabetes.
However, if you already have diabetes, you still need to adhere to a certain lifestyle to ensure you remain healthy. Your diet has to be styled to suit what type of diabetes you have. Your doctor will advise you as to what you should eat and what you shouldn't. However the same rule for preventing diabetes, also applies to maintaining a healthy lifestyle as a diabetic - controlling and monitoring what, when and how much you eat. Check the labels of foods for fat content, sugar content and carbohydrate content. Be aware of how the foods you eat affect your blood glucose levels. Do not eat foods high in sugar and starch. Do not eat fast foods regularly. Monitor your blood glucose levels as instructed by your doctor. Exercise as recommended by your doctor – do not push your body to the limit.
