Do You Know How to Prevent Diabetes?

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Here’s a scary stat — did you know that almost 80 million people in the US are pre-diabetic? And that there are an alarming number of children who have been diagnosed with diabetes. And it’s getting worse.

If you’re not sure what pre-diabetes is, according to CDiabetes Magazine, “It’s is a condition in which your blood glucose or A1C levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered true diabetes. But, it does put you at high risk for getting diabetes.”

I’m one of the 80 million Americans with pre-diabetes. And it scares me so much. I’ve been officially considered pre-diabetic for over 4 1/2 years and take a drug to make sure my insulin levels stay level. I actually make too much. During my last pregnancy in 2010, I had to go on insulin for almost 3 months and it was awful. They couldn’t get my dosage correct and my blood sugar would plummet at 2 or 3 am. Luckily, after I gave birth, I went off insulin and have been able to maintain myself.

Greatest risk signs of diabetes? Having someone in your immediate family with diabetes, being overweight, and even having gestational diabetes during a pregnancy, means it may come back later in life.

So, I’m trying to make my odds and my family’s odds of getting it lower. We are trying to make sure we get active, eat right, and watch our sweets intake. I know that my children watch what I do, so I do my best to keep up with them, as we run around the park.

How can you prevent diabetes? According to C Diabetes Mag, offered these easy steps from the American Exercise Council that can help:

1. Start eating healthy by making smart food choices. This means eating more fruits and vegetables; lean proteins like fish, chicken, tofu, and beans; good fats like olive oil and walnuts; and fewer sugary or salty foods like soda and chips.

2. Get moving. Shoot for 30 minutes of physical activity at least 5 days a week (150 minutes total). You can do this by walking, jogging, gardening, playing with your kids, riding your bike, or taking a dance class.

3. Lose weight. Eating right and exercising will help you get to your goal weight and stay there. Be sure you set realistic goals—and celebrate when you reach them.

4. See your healthcare provider regularly for medical checkups. It’s much easier and safer to take care of little problems early, before they turn into big problems.

5. Build a support system for yourself. Don’t just tell your friends and family about your plans to be healthier—get them involved! Ask them to walk with you, or take a class at a local gym. Friends can also help you make smart foods choices when you’re out to dinner—like choosing a salad instead of a cheesy pasta dish.

6. Stay positive. Keeping your spirits up with a good attitude will help you stick to your plan.