Prediabetes is when blood glucose (sugar) levels in your blood are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. Insulin helps your body to change sugars and starches into energy. Your blood glucose levels increase when your body isn't making enough insulin or insulin isn't working as effectively as it has in the past. If you have prediabetes, or are at risk for developing diabetes, try these helpful tips to prevent type 2 diabetes.
Make half of your plate fruits and vegetables at every meal and for every snack.
Smoking is a proven risk factor for diabetes, with smokers being 30-40 percent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to non-smokers.
Not getting enough sleep can increase your risk of developing diabetes and complications from diabetes.
For people who are overweight, losing five to seven percent of their current weight can cut their chances of developing type 2 diabetes in half.
Diabetes Prevention Programs (DPPs) are classes designed to empower people at risk for prediabetes to take charge of their health and well-being. For more information on DPPs in North Carolina click here.
Diabetes is a growing concern in North Carolina, the nation and the world. To find out if you are at risk, take the Diabetes Risk Assessment. For more information on risk factors for diabetes, click here. Consult with your health care provider if you think that you are at risk of type 2 diabetes.
