Healthy Fresno

You can’t prevent all cases of diabetes, but you can make certain lifestyle changes to help lessen your chances of developing diabetes and to improve your overall health.
Here are some ways health experts say you can help prevent the disease:

• Know your risk. Do you have any family members who have had diabetes? If your father, mother, or any of your siblings have or have had the disease, make sure you tell your doctor. He or she may want you to get extra screenings to catch diabetes early.

• Quit smoking. Smoking increases your risk for serious health problems, such as heart disease and stroke, especially among people with diabetes.

• Lose weight. If you are overweight, you are at high risk for developing diabetes, as well as other serious health problems. Talk to your doctor about the best way to lose weight safely and effectively.
  

• Get more exercise. Regular physical activity can help you lose weight and can help lower your chances of developing diabetes and other disease.
  

• Stick to a healthy diet. A diet high in fats and sugars can lead to diabetes. Increase the amount of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables you eat to improve your chances of preventing diabetes.
  

• Talk with your doctor about medication. If you are pre-diabetic, sometimes taking medicine to help you control your blood glucose levels can delay or prevent the onset of diabetes.