Type 2 diabetes: Five ways to reduce your risk
TYPE 2 DIABETES affects millions of Britons, with over 13 million more said to be at risk of developing the condition. How can you reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes can be a 'devastating diagnosis' says expert
Type 2 diabetes is a life-changing diagnosis. But by making some changes now, you can reduce the risk of developing this dangerous condition. As opposed to type 1 diabetes, type 2 is heavily influenced by diet and lifestyle. These five simple adjustments could slash your likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes - what are they?
Diabetes UK warns “more people than ever are at risk of type 2 diabetes”.
4.9 million Britons have a diabetes diagnosis, and 13.6 million more are at “increased risk” of developing diabetes.
Of those 4.9 million diabetic Britons, 90 percent suffer from type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is very much influenced by your lifestyle choices; diet and exercise have a huge bearing on whether you’re likely to develop the condition.
If you are considered “at-risk” for type 2 diabetes, your doctor may diagnose you with “pre-diabetes”.
READ MORE: Cancer: The drink that may boost your cancer risk by 80%
Once you have been told you are at risk, it’s time to do whatever you can to reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
These are five easy changes you can make to your lifestyle today, to slash your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
1 - Cut sugary foods from your diet
Foods high in added sugars have no place in a healthy diet, and high-sugar diets put you at a far greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
This is because sugary foods raise your blood sugar to dangerous levels.
2 - Exercise regularly
Staying active and keeping up an exercise routine can help to keep you slim, which in turn reduces your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Working out is shown to improve your body’s insulin response, helping you break down foods without causing blood sugar spikes.
3 - Drink plenty of water
The NHS says we should all be drinking between six and eight glasses of water a day.
By drinking plenty of water, you assist your body perform essential functions.
Replacing any sugar drinks with water will also help you to cut down on your sugar intake.
DON'T MISS:
Lung cancer symptoms: The 'common' signs in your cough - when to 'c... [UPDATE]
Omicron variant: The symptoms that you 'won't recognise as Covid' [TIPS]
Diabetes: Three signs when you go to the toilet [INSIGHT]
4 - Choosing a low-carb diet
When your body breaks down carbohydrates, it creates glucose, causing your blood sugar levels to rise.
By adopting a low-carbohydrate diet, avoiding processed and refined carbohydrates including white bread and pasta, you can prevent dramatic blood sugar fluctuations.
5 - Eat more fibre
Fibre is found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains; any healthy diet plan will encourage you to eat more of these nutritious foods.
Eating plenty of fibre can help with weight loss as fibre absorbs water in your stomach, helping you to feel more full after eating.
Fibre can also slow the rate at which your food is absorbed, meaning it can help regulate blood sugar levels.