Those who have not yet been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes can greatly reduce their susceptibility by doing one key action: losing weight. Being overweight is a critical factor in the formation of type 2 diabetes.
While there are other key factors that can trigger the disease, obesity still ranks at the top. In fact, statistics show that approximately 85 percent of individuals diagnosed with diabetes are overweight. With the increasing problem of obesity in America, that number isn't going down anytime soon.
The problem stems from what the extra weight does to the body. It often collects around the person's midsection. This is a telltale sign of diabetes. It also affects other parts of the person's health including a condition known as fatty liver. When diabetes forms, now the liver and pancreas are affected.
The fat performs many tasks. It builds up in arteries as plaque, reducing blood flow. It also affects insulin levels. Too much fat doesn't ave the chance to burn off and is stored in the body- a dangerous scenario for someone prone to contracting diabetes.
The key to staving off the disease is to maintain a healthy weight for your body frame. This not only wards off diabetes, but a host of other health concerns, as well. Since diabetes is also directly connected to other serious conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, this is anther reason to keep it at bay.
Exercise is another critical component. Losing weight is good, but implementing exercise works to improve circulation and burn fat. Your doctor can direct you as to how much should be lost and how much exercise to start out with. Once your weight begins to drop, you are moving farther away form the potential of diabetes.
The information provided on InformationAboutDiabetes.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational purposes and does not constitute the practice of medicine. We encourage all visitors to see a licensed physician or nutritionist if they have any concerns regarding health issues related to diet, personal image and any other topics discussed on this site. Neither the owners or employees of InformationAboutDiabetes.com nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Please see our Legal Statement for further information.
The Diabetes Support Group at SupportGroups.com builds awareness and support for people with Diabetes. If you are a friend or parent of a person that has been diagnosed with Diabetes, or you have been diagnosed with Diabetes, you are not alone. Share experiences and get support in a confidential, caring environment.
Selected Support Groups
Follow and Share InformationAboutDiabetes.com