The rate at which adolescents and teens are developing prediabetes continues to increase. Healthy habits must be created and maintained to avoid the progression of prediabetes into diabetes in adulthood. Children, teens and adults can make small lifestyle changes that will make a difference in preventing and delaying the onset of both prediabetes and diabetes. There are many benefits to your health when you make the following changes. Most importantly when you make changes you will reduce your risk for other health concerns that can develop in those with diabetes like poor cardiovascular health, eye disease and kidney disease.
The following are top actions to take to improve your health and prevent diabetes.
- If you are not exercising start! Aim to get minimum of 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Exercise will aid in both weight management and blood sugar control.
- Eat balanced meals focusing on consuming fresh fruits and vegetables. It is best to choose non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, dark leafy greens. Balanced meals are also key in managing weight and blood sugar. Aim to include a serving of protein, half your plate in non-starchy vegetables and a serving of fruit to make a balanced meal.
- Avoid added sugars by limiting your intake of sweets especially sweetened beverages. A food label can assist you in checking for added sugars. Try adding a natural no calorie sugar substitute like monk fruit to sweeten coffee or tea. It is best to still use any sugar substitutes in moderation as they are significantly sweeter than sugar.
Taking these actions can make a difference in your health and aid in prevention of diabetes!
- See my store page for a new low carbohydrate Go Run Bar that is also high in protein and fiber. Add it to your breakfast options, eat it as snack after exercise or eat it between a balanced lunch and dinner. This new bar features the zero-sugar monk fruit and almond flour helping make the bar lower in carbohydrates and higher in protein and fiber which both can aid with blood sugar control and weight management. Avoiding spikes in blood sugar and managing your weight both improve your health and help prevent diabetes.
-Sarah Judkins
Very informative post.