Diabetes care can be a full time job. Let us help.
Preventing Diabetes
Once you know them, it's easier to spot the symptoms of type 2 diabetes:
increased thirst
increased hunger
fatigue
increased urination, especially at night
weight loss
blurred vision
sores that do not heal
In a study conducted by the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), 3,234 people at high risk for diabetes showed that moderate diet and exercise resulting in a 5 to 7 percent weight loss can delay and possibly prevent type 2 diabetes.
Study participants were overweight and had higher than normal levels of blood glucose, a condition called pre-diabetes (impaired glucose tolerance). Both pre-diabetes and obesity are strong risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Because of the high risk among some minority groups, about half of the DPP participants were African American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American/Latino.
The DPP tested two approaches to preventing diabetes: a healthy eating and exercise program (lifestyle changes), and the diabetes drug metformin. People in the lifestyle modification group exercised about 30 minutes a day 5 days a week (usually by walking) and lowered their intake of fat and calories. Those who took the diabetes drug metformin received standard information on exercise and diet. A third group received only standard information on exercise and diet.
The results showed that people in the lifestyle modification group reduced their risk of getting type 2 diabetes by 58 percent. Average weight loss in the first year of the study was 15 pounds. Lifestyle modification was even more effective in those 60 and older. They reduced their risk by 71 percent. People receiving metformin reduced their risk by 31 percent.
Before your next visit to one of our clinics, read more about how to live with diabetes.
Then, let our professionals help you get a handle on your diabetic condition.
