ADA Alert Day
American Diabetes Association Alert Day
Littleton Regional Healthcare would like to invite readers to learn more about the American Diabetes Association Alert Day which is recognized every fourth Tuesday in March.
In 2019, Diabetes Alert Day will be recognized on March 26th. This is a one-day wake-up call asking the public to take its diabetes risk test. The test will take just a minute. You will learn if you have a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is the most common type of diabetes. Diabetes can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and eye and foot problems.
More About Diabetes
What raises our chances of getting type 2 diabetes? There are a few things including being overweight, having a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes, and having gestational diabetes, which is diabetes that develops during pregnancy.
The good news is that type 2 diabetes can be delayed or even prevented. How can you lower my chances of developing type 2 diabetes? Most often, your best chance for preventing type 2 diabetes is to make lifestyle changes that you can stick with.
There’s a lot you can do to reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Some things you can change to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes is to lose weight and keep it off. You may be able to prevent or delay diabetes by losing 5 to 7 percent of your starting weight. For instance, if you weigh 200 pounds, your goal would be to lose about 10 to 14 pounds.
You can also move more. Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week. If you have not been active, talk with your provider about which activities are best. Start slowly to build up to your goal and make it fun. You can also eat healthy foods most of the time. Eat smaller portions to reduce the number of calories you eat each day and help you lose weight.
Choosing foods with less fat is another way to reduce calories. Eat more fruits and vegetables and multigrain foods. They are high in dietary fiber and are great choices. Drink water instead of sweetened beverages. Lastly, if you have stress in your life, find healthy ways to relax.
Learn More
To find out if your risk of developing type 2 diabetes is high click here.
Lucy Gordon, RN, Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) at LRH
Littleton Regional Healthcare offers a comprehensive Diabetes Education Program. If you have questions about this program, you can call Lucy Gordon, RN, Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) at 603.444.9323. For additional information about diabetes information that is available at LRH, please click here.
Disclosure: Littleton Regional Healthcare is a financial supporter of Littleton Area Television. For more information on North Country Healthcare, Littleton Regional Healthcare or any of the NCH partners, please visit their website.
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