Simple ways to help beat diabetes

Healthy food and clean eating.

By Alisa Star

There is nothing easy about reversing a chronic illness, especially an illness like type 2 diabetes that more than 1 million Americans are newly diagnosed with every year. But new research shows there are ways to help stop type 2 diabetes in its tracks. In fact up to 40% of people in a small study who cut calories, exercised, and took the proper drugs to control their blood sugar levels were able to reverse the disease.

Everyday stress such as  parent-teacher conferences, work related to planning Thanksgiving dinner for 15 people. Everyday life causes stress and is no trip to the spa!  The hormone Cortisol  increases your body’s blood glucose level and by decreasing your stress levels can help lower your glucose level. When you are stressed your body  produces long term effects. This  causes you to increase your insulin resistance and weight gain. Both of which increase the risk of  getting type 2 diabetes. There is no  easy fix but it helps to get up and get moving. Try taking 30 minutes out of your day and go for a brisk walk.You may also choose to do squats,leg lifts or jog in place. It is proven people who are active have better blood sugar control than people who stay sedentary. Case in point: People with pre-diabetes who lose just 5% of their body weight have more than half their chance of not getting diabetes.

Following a healthy diet plan is also key to preventing this disease. It is important to watch your calorie and sugar levels of what you eat and drink each day so you can lose weight and keep it off. In order to do that it helps to eat smaller portions, less fat and sugar. You should choose to  eat a variety of foods from each food group. These include  whole grains, fruits that are low in sugar, and lots of fresh vegetables. It is also a good idea to limit red meat and avoid processed meats. Also did you know smoking can contribute to insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes as well, if you are a smoker it is in your best interest  that you quit.

Diabetes is also a hereditary disease. If you have family members with this disease  the chances of you or your child have a higher risk of getting diabetes. Myself I have type 2 diabetes that runs in my family. It has struck several  members who are insulin dependent. Your lifestyle is forever changed and this can lead to severe health problems. This doesn’t mean you will get it, it means you have a greater chance of it. But with the right  diet and exercise will  help you fight diabetes.

Finally, keep healthy, moving, eat and drink properly. It is good practice to visit your doctor regularly for check ups and taking the right measures can save your life.

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