How to prevent type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is preventable in many cases. Vonda Wright, MD explains how a healthy diet and exercise can reduce your diabetes risk.

Transcript

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Unlike many diseases, type 2 diabetes is preventable in a lot of cases.

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The first step towards prevention is exercise. Doing at least 30 minutes of physical activity for at least

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five days a week can help you lose weight, lower your blood sugar, and increase your body's sensitivity to insulin.

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Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables and whole grains and low in sugar and processed carbs

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can not only lower your blood sugar, it can also reduce your risk for heart disease and help you lose weight.

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If you are overweight, even a 5% to 10% weight loss can reduce your risk significantly.

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Eating well-balanced meals full of whole and natural foods is the key for weight loss and diabetes prevention.

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As you get older, your risk for diabetes increases. So make sure you get your blood sugar levels checked regularly