Diabetes is a serious and complicated issue. There are many types, there are many things that can be done to control and manage it, but it is not something that ever just goes away. I have watched as diabetes controlled the lives of several friends and loved ones. If it gets serious enough it can affect more than just your blood sugar. You can lose your eyesight, have issues with circulation, and in some cases it can even lead to amputation.
I hate to start this post off with such a serious tone, but this is a serious issue. Fortunately, if you are proactive, you can potentially determine if you have something called pre-diabetes. Having prediabetes means your blood glucose is higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.
More than one in three American adults 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 percent of people with prediabetes don’t even know they have it. But prediabetes can be reversed through weight loss, diet changes and increased physical activity. The first step to reversing the condition is evaluating one’s personal risk so that they can take action as soon as possible.
Take just a FEW minutes, right now – yes, right now – and take this Q&A to see if you are at risk for prediabetes. Why? Because 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. So what are you waiting for?
Now that you have taken that and gotten it over with, what’s next? Get up, get off the computer or the phone and get your body moving!
What Can Physical Activity Do for Me?
- Helps keep your blood glucose, blood pressure, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides on target
- Lowers your risk for pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke
- Relieves stress
- Strengthens your heart, muscles and bones
- Improves your blood circulation and tones your muscles
- Keeps your body and your joints flexible
Even if you’ve never exercised before, you can find ways to add physical activity to your day. You’ll get benefits, even if your activities aren’t strenuous. Once physical activity is a part of your routine, you’ll wonder how you did without it.
March 22nd is Diabetes Alert Day. We need to communicate a sense of urgency – it’s time to take action! Spread the word – tell your friends, loved ones and co-workers they could be at risk!
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