How can I prevent type 2 diabetes later in my life?
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Stacy Wiegman answered:You can take steps now to help prevent type 2 diabetes later in your life. If you have a close relative with diabetes, or if you’re a woman who had diabetes during pregnancy, your risk for type 2 diabetes is already higher. Here’s what you can do:
- Watch your weight. Your best bet is to maintain a healthy weight. If you’re already overweight, try to lose some. A weight loss of just 5% to 7% (that’s 10 to 14 pounds if you weigh 200 pounds) can lower your risk for diabetes.
- Exercise. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day, five days or more a week.
- Eat healthy foods. Choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, fish, beans and nonfat dairy products. Keep fats to less than 30% of your total calories. Avoid white sugar and other sweets.
You can take steps now to help prevent type 2 diabetes later in your life. If you have a close relative with diabetes, or if you’re a woman who had diabetes during pregnancy, your risk for type 2 diabetes is already higher. Here’s... More -
Laura Motosko answered:Long-term healthy weight maintenance is the single best way to help prevent type 2 diabetes. Eat nutrient dense foods including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats such as olive oil, proteins including lean meat, nuts, legumes, beans, soy or dairy and reduced saturated fat, sodium and sugar. Strive for physical activity daily in which you break a sweat for at least 30 minutes. If you are unsure if you are healthy enough for exercise, check with your doctor. As a rule you should be able to talk while you walk. If you are out of breath and unable to talk while exercising, decrease the intensity.Long-term healthy weight maintenance is the single best way to help prevent type 2 diabetes. Eat nutrient dense foods including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats such as olive oil, proteins including lean meat, nuts,... More -
Baptist Health South Florida answered:To prevent or delay type 2 diabetes in your later life, you can do as follows:
Reach and maintain a reasonable weight. Even if you stay above your ideal weight, losing 5 to 7 percent of your body weight is enough to make a big difference. For example, if you weigh 200 lb., losing 10 to 14 lb. can greatly reduce your chances of getting diabetes.Be physically active for 30 minutes most days. Walk, swim, exercise, or go dancing.Follow a healthy eating plan. Eat more grains, fruits, and vegetables. Cut down on fat and calories. A dietitian can help you design a meal plan.Remind your health care team to check your blood glucose levels regularly. Women who have had gestational diabetes should continue to be tested for diabetes or prediabetes every one to two years. Diagnosing diabetes or prediabetes early can help prevent complications such as heart disease later.
Your child's risk for type 2 diabetes may be lower if you breastfeed your baby and if your child maintains a healthy weight.
The answer is based on source information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
To prevent or delay type 2 diabetes in your later life, you can do as follows: Reach and maintain a reasonable weight. Even if you stay above your ideal weight, losing 5 to 7 percent of your body weight is enough to make a big difference. For... More
