7 Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Diabetes Risk

Type 2 diabetes makes up 90 to 95 percent of diabetes cases and affects more than 30 million Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Over time, the disease can harm your eyes, kidneys and cardiovascular system and raise your risk for many other conditions. Every year in the United States, more than 80,000 people die of diabetes, and experts believe it plays a significant role in thousands of additional deaths.

While you can’t control some risk factors for diabetes—such as family history and age—you can lower the chances of developing it by making smart lifestyle choices. Try these strategies to boost your health, reduce your risk and improve your overall quality of life.

Your diet is linked to your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Being mindful of the foods you choose to eat can go a long way to preventing the disease. At each meal, load half of your plate with fruits and veggies; a small piece of fruit or 1/2 cup of fruit salad is a great addition to non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, mushrooms and zucchini. Then, fill the rest with 3 ounces of lean protein such as chicken or salmon, as well as 100 percent whole grains, like quinoa, brown rice or barley. Limit or avoid high-fat, fried or processed foods.

Inactivity is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Adults should get 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week. They should also do muscle-strengthening activities of at least moderate intensity a minimum of two days per week.

Adding movement to your day doesn’t mean spending hours at the gym or setting out on a 5-mile run (unless that’s something you enjoy). You can do it throughout the day at work, at home and even while you’re watching television. Not sure where to start? Try these ideas:

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Put on music and dance while you vacuum.
• Walk the dog for a few extra minutes.
• Hand deliver a message to a neighbor or co-worker’s desk.

Being overweight or obese is the primary risk factor for type 2 diabetes. If you’re carrying excess weight, dropping a few pounds could reduce your risk. In fact, the landmark Diabetes Prevention Program study found that participants who lost about 7 percent of their total weight decreased their risk of diabetes by almost 60 percent.

A healthy diet and exercise are a tried and true prescription for slimming down, but it’s important to consult your healthcare provider (HCP) before embarking on a weight loss journey.

Cigarette smoking harms nearly every organ in your body and increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, cataracts—and type 2 diabetes. In fact, smokers are about 30 to 40 percent more likely to develop diabetes than nonsmokers. Smoking puts strain on your body’s cells in the form of inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are linked to elevated risk.

The solution? It’s time to quit. Speak with your HCP about a plan to stop smoking or head to reputable resources like Smokefree.gov or the American Cancer Society for more information.

While too much alcohol can add empty calories to your diet and increase your chances of developing type 2 diabetes, some research suggests that moderate drinking—red wine, especially—may be linked to a lower risk of diabetes, as well as heart disease. This isn’t definitive, however, and more studies are needed to examine the relationship. In fact, even in moderation, alcohol can have adverse health effects, such as increasing your odds of some cancers.

So, if you don’t drink, don’t start. If you do imbibe, speak with your HCP about what’s best for you.

Regularly having your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels checked is important for everyone. But knowing these numbers and what they mean is especially important for people at risk of diabetes, since hypertension, high cholesterol or higher-than-normal blood sugar levels increase the odds of developing the condition.

So, what’s normal? Numbers vary from person to person, and your HCP will tell you if there is cause for concern. Generally, you might be at risk of type 2 diabetes if any of the following apply:

• Your blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg or higher
• Your HDL cholesterol is lower than 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women
• Your triglyceride level is higher than 200 mg/dL
• Your fasting blood sugar levels exceed 100 mg/dL

Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition that can harm your body and even lead to an early death. Learning your risks is the first step to preventing the disease. Reach out to your HCP to find out more and remember to attend regular well visits to monitor your health. Together, you can make the best decisions for your well-being.