20 ways to halt pre-diabetes in its tracks

20 ways to halt pre-diabetes in its tracks

By Jenilee Matz, M.P.H., Staff Writer, myOptumHealth

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Type 2 diabetes is a dangerous disease, and one that can be a challenge to manage. It can lead to heart and kidney disease, blindness and many other health conditions. Until a cure is found, people with the disease have to watch what they eat, measure their blood sugar and take medication each day.

Am I at-risk?

Fifty-seven million people in the U.S. have pre-diabetes, and even more are at-risk. Pre-diabetes is when blood glucose levels are above normal, but not high enough to be in the diabetic range. But, people with pre-diabetes are already at a higher risk for heart disease and other complications.

You are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes if you:

• Are overweight
• Exercise fewer than three times each week
• Have a family history of diabetes
• Are African-American, Hispanic, American-Indian or Pacific Islander
• Are older than 45
• Had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
• Have high blood pressure or cholesterol
• Have a history of heart disease

Small changes, big rewards

Pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes can often be prevented. And it does not require a complete overhaul of your lifestyle. Research shows that reducing your body weight by 5 percent to 10 percent - 10 to 20 pounds for someone who weighs 200 pounds - can cut your diabetes risk in half. Weight loss can also delay the onset of diabetes.

Reduce your risk

The key to stopping type 2 diabetes is to reach a healthy weight. And the trick to long-lasting weight loss is a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Exercise

Work up to 30 to 60 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Always check with your doctor before you start an exercise program.

Try these exercise tips to get started:

        Exercise does not have to happen all at once.

1. Take a short, brisk walk before work, during your lunch break and after dinner.
2. Do squats while you brush your teeth.
3. Do sit-ups and push-ups during commercial breaks of TV shows.

   Find something you enjoy.

4. Walk with friends in a nearby park.
5. Swim at your local gym or community pool. Swimming and water workouts reduce impact on your joints. This is a great form of exercise for people with knee and other joint problems.
6. Use a push mower to cut your lawn or do other yard work, such as gardening.

   Get in spurts of physical activity throughout the day.

7. Instead of letting the dog out, walk him around the block.
8. Take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator.
9. Walk over to your colleague's office instead of e-mailing or calling.

   Eating right
   Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat and nonfat dairy. Try to limit foods high in saturated and trans fat, cholesterol, salt and added sugar.

   Start with these tips:

   Watch portion sizes.

10. Use a salad plate instead of a dinner plate for your meals.
11. Do not go back for seconds. Avoid eating at buffets or all-you-can-eat restaurants to resist temptation.
12. Fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables. One quarter of your plate should be a carbohydrate, such as brown rice or a baked potato. The other quarter should be lean protein, like grilled fish or chicken.

    Eat more.

13. Always eat breakfast. Research shows that people who eat breakfast weigh less than those who skip the meal.
14. Have a snack. Keep healthy snacks - like a piece of fruit and low-fat string cheese - on hand so you won't need to visit the vending machine.

    Stop drinking your calories.

15. Use skim or nonfat milk in place of whole or 2 percent.
16. Request that your morning latte or mocha be made with nonfat milk.
17. Trade regular soda for diet. Better yet, choose water or unsweetened iced tea.

    Be wary of dining out.

18. Brown-bag your lunch instead of going out to lunch.
19. Have an appetizer as your meal or split an entree.
20. Save eating out for special occasions and make dining at home a habit.

View the original 20 ways to halt pre-diabetes in its tracks article on myOptumHealth.com 

SOURCES:

• Weight Control Information Network. Healthy eating and physical activity across your lifespan. Accessed: 07/07/2009

• National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Am I at risk for type 2 diabetes? Taking steps to lower your risk of getting diabetes. Accessed: 07/07/2009

• American Diabetes Association. Prevention or delay of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2004;27(Suppl 1):s47-s54. Accessed: 07/07/2009

• Weight Control Information Network. Active at any size. Accessed: 07/07/2009

• American Diabetes Association. How to prevent pre-diabetes. Accessed: 07/07/2009