What Everyone Ought to Know About Living Healthily With Diabetes

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. According to the American Diabetes Association, over 25 million Americans have diabetes with another 79 million suffering from prediabetes. Diabetes is becoming a national epidemic; studies show that 1 in every 400 children and adolescents suffers from diabetes.

For those who have been diagnosed with this chronic condition, three pillars of health can help you better control the condition:

1. Eat Healthily
   Adults and children with diabetes need to eat a nutritious diet, low in fat and calories and high in nutrient-rich vegetables and whole grains. If you are having difficulty creating a meal plan that fits your health goals and lifestyle, you should meet with a registered dietitian or nutritionist. These experts can help you understand your new eating requirements and develop a plan to help you get the fuel your body needs.
2. Get Active
   Aim for 30 minutes of aerobic activity daily to start out. Whether that’s 30 minutes of light walking, gardening, swimming, or aerobics, it’s important to get your body moving! If you’re concerned about jumping into an exercise regimen without supervision, look into hiring a personal trainer. Experienced personal trainers will develop a personalized workout plan that focuses on your physical weaknesses and helps to build your endurance while increasing your muscle mass, improving your posture, and optimizing your weight loss.
3. Lose Weight
   According to a new data, half of all Americans may develop diabetes or prediabetes by 2020, unless prevention strategies aimed at weight loss and increased physical activity are implemented. If you are overweight and prediabetic, losing as little as 5% of your body weight can significantly reduce your risk of diabetes. If you are already coping with diabetes, weight loss and healthier living can help you keep your blood sugar levels within range and reduce the need for insulin. There are a variety of exercise-based weight loss, medically supervised weight loss, and, if you qualify, surgical weight loss options for diabetics struggling with excess weight.

Most importantly, you should commit to managing your diabetes. Enroll in a free outpatient diabetes program and learn as much about diabetes as you can. Monitor your blood sugar levels and follow your doctor’s advice on keeping your blood sugar levels within your target range. If you’re willing to do your part, diabetes can’t control you and won’t stand in the way of an active and healthy life.

+ Register for a free, outpatient diabetes education class.
+ Find a personal trainer near you!
+ Learn more about the Bon Secours Weight Loss Institute, including our Medically-Supervised Weight Loss Program.