Joyce Knestrick, PhD, CRNP, FAANP
Diabetes doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. In fact, most people with diabetes start out with prediabetes, when their blood is higher than normal, but not high enough to have diabetes. If your body had dashboard warning lights, this would be one to do something about. It’s worth it—90 percent of cases can be reversed if you do these 4 things:
- Keep your weight under control. Roughly 30 percent of overweight people have diabetes, and 85 percent of diabetics are overweight.
- Exercise. Staying active helps you lose weight and helps your body use insulin more efficiently.
- Eat a healthy diet. Choosing a plant-based diet that includes fruits, veggies, nuts, beans and whole grains can lower your diabetes risk by 34 percent.
- Avoid smoking. Smokers are 40 percent more likely to develop diabetes.
One in three adults has prediabetes, but that doesn’t mean they’re destined to get diabetes. Making these lifestyle tweaks can save you from one of the most destructive—and avoidable—conditions, so meet with your nurse practitioner to find out if your blood sugar is sending you an important health message!