One-third of American adults have prediabetes. This is a condition of high blood sugar, just not high enough to have type 2 diabetes–yet. It means you’re on the path to diabetes unless you change your eating & fitness habits. You can probably fix the problem right now if you take the right steps.
Who is at risk? The biggest risk factors are obesity and sedentary living. Genetics is important too. Even lean people who have a strong family history of diabetes can get prediabetes.
Here’s what you need to do:
1. Get yourself down to a healthy weight. Start by reducing your portions. Try using a salad plate instead of a dinner plate. Fill one quarter of the plate with lean protein like meat, fish or legumes. Fill one quarter of your plate with a whole grain like brown rice or whole wheat. Fill half of the plate with fruits & vegetables.
2. No foods are off limits, but moderation is the key. For example, limit yourself to one scoop of ice cream instead of three.
3. Don’t go hungry all day and then eat too much for dinner.
4. Get more active. Go for a walk. These beautiful warm desert days just beg for an early morning or evening walk.
If you could stop diabetes, add 10 healthy years to your life span, and feel better right now, would you do it? Sure you would! Today is the first day of the rest of your life. A lighter, healthier dinner followed by a short walk can make all the difference.
