These are by far the best ways to prevent diabetes, which can cause kidney failure, heart disease, blindness and various other health conditions.
Diabetes can be prevented by exercising regularly
HIGHLIGHTS
- Cut back and sugar and refined carbs in order to avoid diabetes
- Smoking can increase risks of diabetes
- Weight loss can help prevent diabetes
A lot of people in India are suffering from diabetes. In fact, millions of people are affected by the chronic disease. While some people develop diabetes because of poor lifestyle, others get it genetically or inherit it from the family. If diabetes is not controlled, it can cause kidney failure, heart disease, blindness and various other health conditions. Before a person develops diabetes, there is a time when blood sugar levels are not high enough to be categorised as diabetes. This phase is known as prediabetes. It is in this phase where you can take certain measures in order to prevent developing diabetes.
Ways to avoid developing diabetes
1. Exercise regularly
Exercising regularly or engaging yourself in a physical activity can effectively reduce risks of diabetes. This is because exercising increases insulin sensitivity of your cells. Your body requires lesser insulin to keep your blood sugar levels under control if you exercising regularly. Aerobic exercises, strength training and high-intensity interval training can help in reducing insulin resistance in obese, overweight and pre-diabetic people.
Photo Credit: iStockExercising regularly prevents risks of diabetes
Also read: The Best Dietary Management Tips For Diabetes By Our expert
2. Cut back on sugar and refined carbs
In order to prevent diabetes, you must minimise consumption of sugar and refined carbs. This is because your body quickly breaks down sugar and refined carbs into small sugar molecules. These sugar molecules get absorbed in your blood stream and increase your blood sugar levels. This stimulates pancreas to produce insulin. Insulin helps in getting sugar out of the blood stream into the body's cells. People with prediabetes have body cells which become resistant to insulin's action. Thus, the sugar remains in blood. This can lead to type 2 diabetes over time. People who consume lots of sugary foods and refined carbs are more prone to risks of diabetes.
Photo Credit: iStockCut back on refined carbs to prevent diabetes
3. Lose weight
A majority of people who develop type 2 diabetes are either obese or overweight. People with prediabetes are more likely to have abdominal fat or visceral fat. Excess of visceral fat can cause inflammation and insulin resistance, thereby increasing risk of diabetes. Reducing even a small of weight can help in reducing risk of diabetes. Exercising regularly and a diet rich in proteins and fibre, and less carbs can help you lose weight effectively.
Photo Credit: iStock
Losing weight can reduce risks of diabetes
Also read: Why Dental Visits Are A Must For People Suffering From Diabetes
4. Watch portion size
In order to prevent diabetes, you need to be careful of portion size and make sure you do not consume food in large quantities. This is especially important for overweight and obese people. Eating too much food at one time can cause a spike in your blood sugar and insulin levels, thus increasing risk of diabetes. Studies have shown that practicing portion control can help in lowering blood sugar and insulin levels.
Photo Credit: iStock
Portion control is important to prevent diabetes
5. Drink lots of water
Along with flushing out harmful toxins from the body and aiding weight loss, drinking lots of water can help in preventing diabetes. When you drink more water, it helps avoid sugary drinks and drinks with preservatives. Moreover, drinking water can help in improved control of blood sugar and insulin response. Sugary drinks like soda or soft drinks can increase risks of type 2 diabetes.
Photo Credit: iStock
Drinking water can help you avoid sugary drinks and soda
6. Smoking
Apart from cancer, another major health hazard caused by smoking is diabetes. Studies have linked smoking or exposure to smoke to type 2 diabetes.
Photo Credit: iStock
Smoking causes cancer
7. Stay active
Apart from exercising regularly, eating right and drinking lots of water, it is important to stay active throughout the day and avoid sedentary behaviours. Try walking wherever possible, take stairs, avoid elevators, etc, as they will help in preventing risks of diabetes.
Photo Credit: iStock
Staying active is important to avoid diabetes
Also read: Here's How Parents Can Help Their Children With Diabetes Cope Better
8. Avoid processed foods
Processed foods come with high amounts of preservatives and sodium. They can contribute to increasing your blood pressure and can even cause heart disease, obesity and diabetes. They are high in saturated fats which are very harmful for the body. Consumption of processed foods should be avoided in order to prevent risks of diabetes and numerous other health problems.
Photo Credit: iStockProcessed foods can increase blood pressure
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.
