Will Diabetes Be Part of Your Story?
Everyone has a story complete with the heritage we’re given and choices that we make, such as having curly hair, being tall, or loving the outdoors. Our stories are full of memories.
We watch our parents and grandparents deal with health challenges; we savor familiar family meals and remember playing outside on a summer day. Then we become adults and have many responsibilities, including caring for our own health and the health of our families.
Most people’s story likely includes themselves, or a family member, or a friend dealing with the burden of diabetes. Is diabetes part of your story?
What You Should Know
You are at increased risk for developing pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes if you:
- Are 45 years of age or older.
- Are overweight.
- Have a parent with diabetes.
- Have a sister or brother with diabetes.
- Have a family background that is African-American, Hispanic/Latino, American-Indian, Asian-American, or Pacific-Islander.
- Had diabetes while pregnant (gestational diabetes), or gave birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more.
- Are physically active less than three times a week.
What You Can Do
Research shows that modest weight loss and regular physical activity can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by up to 58% in people with prediabetes. Modest weight loss means 5% to 7% of body weight, which is 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person. Getting at least 150 minutes each week of physical activity, such as brisk walking, also is important.
The lifestyle change program offered through the National Diabetes Prevention Program, led by CDC, can help participants adopt the healthy habits needed to prevent type 2 diabetes. You can find a program in your community.
This information was originally published on cdc.gov