Type 2 Diabetes

Is type 2 diabetes preventable?

Nowadays, it is rare to not know someone who is either prediabetic or has been diagnosed with type 2
diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is when your body does not make or use insulin as well as it should. When it comes to how our body functions, there are so many things we can correct so that it performs as well as it should. When we can’t see well, we can get our vision corrected. When we have chronic migraines, we can be prescribed preventatives. But what about type 2 diabetes? Can that be prevented?
The short answer is yes. Type 2 diabetes can most definitely be prevented. In order to prevent something, first we need to know the cause, or the factors. Here are some factors that greatly contribute to the likely hood of being pre diabetic and being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes:

• Being overweight and/or not being physically active
• Having high blood pressure
• Having a family history of type 2 diabetes
• Having an unhealthy diet
• Being a part of a certain ethnic group
• Having high blood glucose levels
• Being a smoker

There are obviously things on that list that you cannot change, so as your ethnicity or your family history. However, there are also quite a few things that depend solely on what choices you do or don’t
make. Your diet and how physically active you are play a huge role in your likelihood to become prediabetic or be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Here are some things you can do to greatly reduce your risk of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes:

• Eat meats that are leaner, such as fish and chicken
• Drink water instead of sugary juices and soda
• Eat healthy fats such as nuts, avocados and fatty fish
• Reduce your consumption of sugar and carbohydrates
• Try replacing your higher carb grains with grains that contain more fiber and protein
• Limit your salt intake
• Refresh your memory on what a portion should be

While reversing being prediabetic is important to your overall health and life span, it is just as important to take control before you become prediabetic. Making healthy choices, staying physically active, and eating a nutritionally dense diet will not only reduce your risk of becoming diabetic, but will also improve your cholesterol, risk of heart disease, and lower your blood pressure. Nothing but positive benefits will result from taking control of your health!

CureMed Pharmacy has a Diabetes Self-Management Education program that provides an education to those suffering from Diabetes. It teaches patients how to make better food choices, manage AIC levels with proper diabetic care, and also provide follow-ups and information for a healthier lifestyle.