How Can Patients Prevent Type 2 Diabetes?
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Type 2 diabetes is a chronic illness that develops due to sedentary living. If patients do not create management strategies, this medical condition puts them at risk of developing severities like blindness and kidney failure. Specialists at Castle Hills Family Practice appreciate the importance of patient awareness, especially in San Antonio preventive care options for type 2 diabetes, to promote wellness in the community.
Before your doctor diagnoses your Type 2 diabetes, the preceding stage of the condition is pre-diabetes, where your blood sugar levels increase but are not too extreme to indicate diabetes. It would help if you started taking charge of your situation to prevent it from accelerating into type 2 diabetes. Some of the preventative measures doctors recommend include:
- Decrease total carbohydrate intake
One of the most effective strategies for managing blood sugar levels is making dietary changes. Patients should specifically focus on reducing their total carb intake because your body breaks down these foods into sugar molecules. Excess carbohydrate intake increases sugar molecules in your blood, thus stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin. This hormone production helps transport sugar from the blood to cells. Unfortunately, ore-diabetics are immune to insulin production. As a result, excess carbohydrates lead to sugar and insulin accumulation in the blood. Limiting highly processed carbs is a solution for patients wanting to prevent type 2 diabetes.
- Exercise regularly
Regular physical activity can help patients restore insulin sensitivity and thus maintain sugar levels in their blood. It would be best for patients to collaborate with fitness specialists who will develop the proper physical exercises to manage blood sugar levels. Aerobic exercises and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are examples of exercises that can lead to decreased blood sugar levels.
- Stay hydrated
Patients should appreciate water as their primary source of hydration. Water limits sugar intake that would otherwise be alternative beverages. Increased water intake not only manages blood sugar but also promotes insulin response.
- Lose weight
Being overweight is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Unlike other risk factors like genetics, being overweight is manageable. Doctors manage overweight pre-diabetics by developing a weight loss plan for them to reduce inflammation and eliminate insulin resistance. Some healthy weight loss strategies include regular workouts and consuming balanced meals, which are other ways to prevent type 2 diabetes.
- Quit smoking
Smoking is a risk factor for many medical concerns. Active smokers should consider quoting the habit to maintain wellness and prevent insulin resistance.
- Eat less food
The more food you eat, the higher your blood sugar levels. It would be best to serve smaller portions, especially if you have pre-diabetes, because you are at risk of type 2 diabetes, which will decrease your quality of life. Moreover, eating less significantly reduces your calorie intake and will ensure weight loss benefits like a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
There are many other ways to prevent type 2 diabetes. However, the most effective techniques revolve around avoiding sedentary living and adjusting your diet to high fiber foods and fewer carbs. Contact Castle Hills Family Practice to schedule a diagnostic procedure to determine your wellness status and implement preventative strategies to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
