Prediabetes Treatment: Learn to Lower Blood Sugar Levels Naturally
Although a diagnosis of prediabetes can be scary and might even seem life-changing, you still have the power to get your health on the right track. In prediabetes treatment, action is the best medicine to prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes. This American Diabetes Month, learn how to pick up new habits that will have a positive influence on your health and wellness.
Prediabetes Treatment: Action is the Best Medicine
Eat Healthier
What you eat and drink plays a huge role in managing prediabetes. Although there are no official diet recommendations for prediabetes treatment, you can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes with these four swaps:
- Trade red meat and processed meat for fish, poultry, nuts, and whole grains
- Eat whole grains over processed carbohydrates like white bread
- Choose healthy fats from sources, such as nuts, seeds, and olive oil instead of fried foods or baked goods
- Drink water, tea, or coffee instead of sugary drinks like soda or juice
By following a healthy diet consistently, you can reduce your diabetes risk and improve your overall health.
Lose Weight
Shedding some pounds is highly recommended for prediabetes treatment. Research has found that people with this condition who lose around 10 percent of their body weight within six months of being diagnosed significantly reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Losing weight may seem challenging, but regular exercise and healthy dietary changes will contribute to your success.
Get Your Body Moving
A sedentary lifestyle is dangerous for the average person, but it’s even more so for those with prediabetes.
Some people avoid working out because they don’t like it; others simply have never learned how to start exercising. Either way, being active doesn’t have to mean spending hours on the treadmill.
Many commonplace activities, such as walking the dog or hiking with a friend, can count as physical activity.
To live a healthy lifestyle, aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, five days a week. If you haven’t exercised in some time, start with 10 to 15 minutes a day and then gradually work your way up to 30 minutes.
Kick Bad Habits to the Curb
Smoking and drinking are two of the worst habits for prediabetics. Smoking promotes insulin resistance, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. People who smoke are 30 to 40 percent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Prediabetic and diabetic smokers have a much harder time with insulin dosing and managing their condition. The more you smoke, the higher your risk of developing full-blown diabetes.
Drinking is also problematic for those with prediabetes. Alcohol interferes with insulin and can lead to imbalanced blood sugar levels. Alcohol also increases your appetite, which leads to excessive snacking and binge eating.
To Take Action to Improve Your Health, Contact Us Today!
An estimated 1.6 million New Yorkers are living with diabetes. If you have been diagnosed as being prediabetic, taking action is the best way to protect your short- and long-term health. This American Diabetes Month, consider the benefits of visiting one of our conveniently located health centers in Nassau County. We provide affordable health services to all members of the community, regardless of insurance status or the ability to pay.
