Research studies have shown that moderate weight loss and exercise can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. The national Diabetes Prevention Program, a major federally funded study of 3,324 people at high risk for diabetes, showed that people can delay and possibly prevent the disease by losing a small amount of weight (5-7% of total body weight) through 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week, along with healthier eating.
Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include:
Family history of diabetes
Being overweight or obese
African American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American/Latino heritage
Prior history of gestational diabetes
Or- a birth of at least one baby weighing more than 9 pounds
High blood pressure (140/90 mm Hg or higher)
Abnormal cholesterol with HDL (“good”) cholesterol is 35 or less, or triglyceride level is 250 or higher
Physical inactivity (exercising less than 3 times a week)
Determine your risk with the American Diabetes Association Risk Factor Test
Pre-diabetes:
Occurs when a person’s blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetic range.
A person with pre-diabetes is at risk for getting type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Those with pre-diabetes can reduce the risk of getting diabetes and even return to normal blood glucose levels with modest weight loss and moderate physical activity.
Source: CDC
National Diabetes Education Program’s Small Steps, Big Rewards: Your GAME PLAN to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
