Are you making time for yourself and your health? Let’s face it – we have all been that person, the one who says “it’s okay, I am fine. I will make that doctor’s appointment another day.” There are millions of reasons why we don’t take time to make healthy lifestyle choices. Kids, jobs, cat videos on the Internet – we’re all busy. But let me ask you this – if it were the health of your child, your parent, or another loved one, would you still procrastinate? Whatever the reason, there’s no excuse for not taking care of yourself just like you would make the time to take care of someone else! If you aren’t taking care of yourself, you could be at risk of becoming diabetic.
Are You at Risk of Becoming Diabetic?
March 22nd is Diabetes Alert Day. No one is excused from prediabetes. 86 million American adults (more than 1 in 3) have prediabetes and are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a serious health condition that can lead to heart attack and stroke. Surprisingly, nearly 90% of those with prediabetes don’t even know that they have it.
But it’s not all bad news. Prediabetes often can be reversed through weight loss, diet changes and increased physical activity. Diagnosis is key: research shows that once people are aware of their condition, they are much more likely to make the necessary lifestyle changes. Education and awareness could mean the difference in so many lives.
Making changes may seem tough. But remember, even a small amount of weight loss (5-7% of your body weight) can reverse prediabetes before it develops into type 2 diabetes.
- Get at least 2.5 hours (150 minutes) of light aerobic activity every week. This could be as simple as going for a brisk 30-minute walk 5 days per week. Even 10 minutes at a time adds up. Small steps can lead to big changes.
- Find simple ways to be more active throughout the day, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or parking farther away from the entrance of a store front when you hit the shops. Because, hey, whatever will get you moving is a step in the right direction.
- At the start of each week, create a schedule of when you’re going to exercise — and make it a priority to stick to it!
We need to communicate a sense of urgency – it’s time to take action and what better day to spread the message than on Diabetes Alert Day! If you know someone who could be at risk, encourage them to visit DoIHavePrediabetes.org for a short online test that will help them learn their risk for prediabetes.
Do you know someone that could be at risk of becoming diabetic? Encourage them to take the test with you!
Disclosure: I have not been compensated for sharing this information.
Comments (5)
Many members of my family on father’s side have diabetes. Luckily I don’t but I try to be careful and watch my sugar intake. It doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy desserts — I do — but I have to be careful with the amount of processed sugar I consume. Everyone does! Everyone needs to have awareness of the dangers of diabetes.
My dad has diabetes as well as many other people in my family history, it’s so important to stay proactive even if you don’t have any symptoms of anything yet because the sooner you find something if it would happen to be wrong, the sooner you can get in charge of your own health and it’s only better for you in the end. Diabetes is nothing to take lightly but it can be managed if you just keep on top of it
Since my husband found out he is diabetic I have been checking my sugar alot. Thank goodness my sugar is always under control. It has helped us change our lifestyle tremendously!
Oh really great information! I always worry about Diabetes, my little brother became Type 1 when he was little. My mother developed Type 2…although with weight loss and diet changes…she has it under control now and is no longer on medication. This is something I need to talk to my doctor about on my next visit!
This is some great information. We all need to be aware of this. Thank you so much for sharing this great information