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Preventing Diabetes Tips

Now that it’s the new year, you may be taking stock of your health as part of new year’s resolutions. If you want to have a healthier 2021 compared to 2020, partnering with Sterling Wellness Solutions is a great place to start. Many people worry about developing diabetes, especially as they age. If you’re worried about developing diabetes, you have some options to help in preventing diabetes.

Know Family Medical History

Do various members of your family have diabetes? According to the CDC, you have an increased chance of developing diabetes or prediabetes if a close relative (parent or sibling) has diabetes. Also, you need to know your own history. If you had gestational diabetes during a pregnancy, you have an increased chance of developing type 2 diabetes in life.

Choose Healthy Foods

The foods you eat have a major impact on your health. Even if you aren’t trying to dodge diabetes, this is great advice to follow. The healthier the foods you eat, the healthier you’ll be overall. An easy rule of thumb to follow when it comes to eating healthy is to have a variety of colors appear on your plate.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

In addition to choosing healthy foods, you’ll also want to make sure you maintain a healthy weight. Typically, people who are overweight have an increased risk in developing diabetes. By losing even a small amount of weight, you are actively doing something that could avoid developing diabetes in your life. Losing weight also helps in decreasing your blood sugar and may help increase your insulin sensitivity, which is what keeps your blood sugar levels low.

Keep Moving

Part of the way you can maintain a healthy weight is by exercising. Exercise helps in decreasing the chance you’ll develop diabetes in your life. The Mayo Clinic recommends getting 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise each week. Additionally, exercising may help in reducing your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure and diabetes, you may have an increased chance of developing heart disease.

Stop Smoking

Smoking negatively impacts your health in a variety of ways. When you stop smoking, you improve your breathing and circulation, which can help to make you healthier overall. In general, people who smoke have an increased chance of developing diabetes at some point in their life.

Take Advantage of Sleep

Sleep has many advantages in helping you lead a healthier lifestyle. When you have regular nights of good sleep, you help to decrease your stress levels. Less stress means you may make healthier eating and exercise options, which in turn lower blood sugar levels.

If 2021 is going to be the year you take charge of your health, start by preventing diabetes. If you need consistent health coaching and health monitoring, Sterling Wellness Solutions can help. Our coaches have a high level of engagement and love seeing them succeed. Your success begins with a healthy team. Contact Sterling Wellness Solutions to make that a priority for the new year.