American Diabetes Month: Wellness Tips for Diabetes Prevention

November is American Diabetes Month, a time to educate, share resources, and spread awareness of the risk factors for developing diabetes. Diabetes is an increasingly common illness that contributes to many other health problems – it can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart and is even linked to some types of cancer. However, diabetes is also often highly preventable and even reversible with a healthy lifestyle.

Diabetes Facts

• Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high.
• Although type 1 diabetes is genetic, type 2 diabetes is preventable and is often caused by lifestyle habits.

• Over 37 million Americans – which is 10% of the population – have diabetes. That’s 1 in 10 Americans.
• Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.
• In the last 20 years, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has more than doubled.
• Medical costs and lost work and wages for people with diagnosed diabetes total $327 billion yearly.
• More than 96 million American adults have prediabetes, and more than 8 in 10 don’t even know they have it.

What is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a condition where blood-sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Luckily, you can manage prediabetes and prevent a progression to diabetes by making simple healthy lifestyle changes.

• Get Moving

A sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for developing diabetes. Limit time spent sitting, watching television, or doing other low-movement activities and try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week, even if it’s just a walk around your neighborhood.

• Eat the Right Foods

An unhealthy diet is the root cause of many health issues, including diabetes. Be sure to opt for foods that are high in fiber and low in fats and sugars. Build your plate with a balance of nonstarchy vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, and drink water instead of sweetened drinks.

• Watch Your Weight

One of the biggest risk factors for developing diabetes is obesity. Reducing your carb intake and eating healthier, as well as exercising regularly, are essential for weight control. If you are still having difficulty losing weight after making lifestyle changes, see your physician for blood work to ensure an underlying health problem isn’t causing weight gain or inhibiting loss.

• Keep up with Wellness Checks

Early detection is key to treat prediabetes before it progresses to diabetes. Prediabetes can be detected with basic bloodwork, so be sure to keep up with regular checkups and health screenings.

Rehab Therapy Services for Wellness and Diabetes Prevention

Staying mobile is an imperative part of wellness and diabetes prevention. If you have a mobility issue that is keeping you from staying active, we can help. Our physical and occupational therapists at our short-term rehab center will work with you and develop a plan to get you back to a healthy and happy lifestyle.

To learn more about our outpatient rehab services, please call (201) 848-5518 or visit the rehab section of our website.