Furthermore, an additional 5.1 million individuals have prediabetes, a condition in which they have elevated blood sugar levels but are not yet at the stage of diabetes. The Office for National Statistics estimates that approximately one in nine British citizens are at risk of developing the illness.
Diabetes comes in two flavors: type 1 and type 2, both of which are brought on by problems with the body’s processing of the insulin hormone. While the cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown and cannot be prevented, type 2 diabetes affects 90% of patients and can occasionally be reversed with the correct lifestyle choices.
Diabetes is frequently associated with obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, or a family history of the illness. Even if it’s dangerous, this can also be controlled, if not completely avoided, with dietary adjustments and frequently with medicine.
In fact, those who maintain a routine of 10,000 steps, three times a week, for three years can lower their risk of type 2 diabetes by as much as 41%, according to Vitality Health Insurance’s routine Index. Additionally, there was a 57% decrease in the incidence of type 2 diabetes in individuals who raised their exercise frequency to four or more times per week.
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An estimated 35% of people in the UK are thought to be sedentary, which is causing health problems, a rise in non-communicable diseases including type 2 diabetes, and an increase in the frequency of hospital admissions. Our study has demonstrated that walking 10,000 steps three times a week for three years can lower a person’s risk of type 2 diabetes by as much as 41%.
Cut Down on Carbohydrates
A balanced diet must include carbohydrates as they give us the energy we need to go through the day. Reducing our intake, though, can aid in the management and even prevention of diabetes.
Because they are digested into glucose, this food group directly affects blood sugar. As a result, cutting back on carbohydrates keeps blood sugar levels more steady and reduces spikes. By consuming less, we also lessen the quantity of insulin our bodies must manufacture, which also lessens insulin resistance.
Cut Back on Processed Foods
Processed foods are heavy in added sugars and refined carbs, such sugar and white flour, which are quickly absorbed and digested and cause sharp rises in blood glucose levels. As a result, they can have a detrimental effect on managing diabetes and raise the risk of acquiring it. Additionally, they include bad fats like trans and saturated fats, which are linked to the development of diabetes and can cause weight gain, insulin resistance, and inflammation.